HENDERSON, Nev. – Washington women's rowing enjoyed a successful start to their 2017 spring season, sweeping the University of Southern California in three races Saturday morning on Lake Las Vegas. The first varsity eight, second varsity eight, and varsity four all won their respective races over USC with open water.
"We're grateful to Executive Director of Lake Las Vegas Rowing Club Jim Anderson for putting the regatta together and to USC for agreeing to come to race so early in the spring," said women's head coach Yasmin Farooq. "Lake Las Vegas is beautiful and we had excellent conditions for the morning race."
Women's Varsity 8+
Washington started off the morning with a victory in the first varsity eight. The Huskies, coxed by Phoebe Marks-Nicholes, got off to an early lead and never looked back. A half-length lead at the 500 meter mark turned into a full-length by 1000 meters. Washington finished with open water over USC with a time of 6:13.1 to 6:17.1.
Women's Second Varsity 8+
The women's second varsity eight followed the same path of the varsity eight. They got off to an extremely fast start, breaking open water at the 500 meter mark. With 750 meters to go they were up almost two lengths on USC's second varsity eight. The Huskies time of 6:12.4 was the fastest on the day and was enough to defeat USC's time of 6:31.5.
Women's Varsity 4+
Washington kept getting faster as the day went on. The varsity four broke open water at 500 meters and had a full length of open water by the 750 meter mark. With 500 meters to go they had five full lengths of open water and ultimately finished with a time of 7:03.0. USC's varsity four was timed at 7:20.2.
"Coming to the Lake Las Vegas Invitational was an amazing challenge for our team both mentally and physically," said junior Jessica Thoennes. "I'm thrilled that my teammates and my hard work has paid off and that this opportunity gave us a shot at proving our strength and toughness. This race re-ignites the excitement in me to see what this season will become for us and how our program will compete."
"All three boats stepped up to the challenge and executed their race plans," added Farooq. "I've really been enjoying seeing their improvement from week to week as individuals and as a team."
Following the mornings races the Huskies also rowed shorter, 1000 and 500 meter, head-to-head scrimmages against USC in the afternoon.
"For the afternoon scrimmages, we broke the race down into parts," said Farooq. "USC brought some spirited competition and the two teams split pieces. The Pac12 should be fun to watch this spring."
Up Next
The Washington women will head back home to finish their winter training. Later this month the Huskies will race in the 116th Class Day Regatta held on March 25th at 10:00 a.m. on the Montlake Cut.
