Michigan State University
Notre Dame
No. 7 Rowing Sweeps No. 20 Notre Dame at Home
3/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
March 28, 2009
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EAST LANSING, Mich. - The No. 7 Michigan State rowing team opened its 2009 season by defeating No. 20 Notre Dame, 46-23, on Lake Ovid on Saturday. The Spartans swept all six races from the Fighting Irish, including wins in each of the NCAA races - the varsity eight, second varsity eight and the varsity four. Both the first and second varsity eight boats won their respective races by open water.
"I thought we raced pretty consistently today; conditions were tough out there," head coach Matt Weise said. "There were very big cross winds and it was very difficult to be real consistent, but we handled the water well and rowed well, so I am pretty pleased with our effort."
The varsity eight boat had the most convincing win in the final race of the competition. Clocking in at 7:21.34, the Spartan crew clocked in nearly 26 seconds faster than Notre Dame's varsity eight, which finished in 7:47.14. The second varsity eight boat also won convincingly for the Spartans, finishing the race in 7:24.06, topping the Irish by eight seconds. Both varsity eight boats earned a combined 30 team points by winning each of their respective races.
The MSU varsity four provided the most exciting race of the day. After falling behind by open water with only 750 meters left in the race, the Spartans made a late push, pulling themselves even with the Irish heading into the final 100 meters. MSU was able to pull ahead just before crossing the finish line, clocking in at 8:28.25, just ahead of Notre Dame who finished in 8:29.18. The varsity four earned six team points after pulling off the comeback.
The Spartans were also able to claim titles in both the first and second novice eight races and also picked up top honors in the second varsity four race, claiming the additional 10 team points and sweeping the competition. The first and second novice eight boats clocked in at 8:01.32 and 8:35.56, respectively. The second varsity four "A" boat clocked in at 8:43.16.
The Spartans will return to action next weekend at they travel to Bloomington, Ind. for a two-day event with the Hoosiers. For all the latest on MSU rowing, stay tuned to www.msuspartans.com.
