Rowers Drop Big Ten Double Dual

April 11, 2015

East Lansing, Mich. - Michigan State faced off with Iowa and Indiana on Saturday morning on Belleville Lake, as MSU's novice eights continued to excel but the varsity boats falling to both Big Ten foes.

"Our novices stole the show today - they really have been doing a great job," said head coach Matt Weise. "Our varsity eight was really tentative in the morning, but made a lot of improvements in the afternoon against a very impressive Indiana crew. I thought we were better in the afternoon in all of our boats and that's what these early duals are about - learning how to race. I certainly think that we took a step forward in a lot of aspects today that are important as we prepare this week."

The Spartan novice eight won both of its races by open water, posting a 13-second win over Iowa and a nine-second margin over Indiana. The second novice was successful in a win over Iowa, posting a 7:24.2, seven seconds over the Hawkeyes, but fell by about a length to the Hoosiers. Those were MSU's three wins on the day.

The varsity eight started tentatively against Iowa in the morning session, held a lead at the 500 meter mark, and hung in until the final 500, dropping a decision to Iowa by nine seconds, and fell to Indiana by open water in the afternoon session. MSU's second varsity was about a length behind both the Hawkeyes and Hoosiers at the finish, while the varsity four was 24 seconds behind Iowa in the morning and nine behind Indiana.

The team will compete next weekend at the Clemson Invitational, taking on some of the nation's top teams in a two-day regatta.

Big Ten Double Dual Belleville Lake, Michigan

MORNING SESSION: Michigan State vs. Iowa

Varsity Eight: Iowa 6:47.2; Michigan State 6:56.03

Second Varsity Eight: Iowa 6:44.8; Michigan State 6:49.23

Varsity Four Iowa 7:30.1; Michigan State 7:54.42

Novice Eight: Michigan State 6:54.30; Iowa 7:07.45

Second Novice Eight: Michigan State 7:24.20; Iowa 7:31.22

AFTERNOON SESSION: Michigan State vs. Indiana

Varsity Eight: Indiana 6:23.8; Michigan State 6:42.9

Second Varsity Eight: Indiana 6:37.1; Michigan State 6:42.0

Varsity Four Indiana 7:37.8; Michigan State 7:48.9