Saturday, April 30, 2011

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. – The Drake University rowing team competed in two races before the MACRA Championships were canceled due to windy conditions. The regatta was moved from Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis to New Lake in Grand Haven, Mich. because of flooding and debris in the Indianapolis area.

The Bulldogs finished fourth in the first heat and fifth in the second heat of the Varsity Four, and second in the second heat of the Varsity Eight race. Sarah Laughlin (Arlington Heights, Ill.), Monica Worsley (Cary, Ill.), Brittney Smith (Duluth, Minn.), McKenzie Anderson (Iowa City ,Iowa) and Kristin Cherney (Stevens Point, Wis.) rowed in the fourth-place Varsity Four boat.

“They raced well,” said head coach Charlie DiSilvestro. “It was tough conditions, but it was tough for everyone. It hasn't been the greatest spring for racing so far. Even so, we were encouraged by our prospects and we're looking forward to racing.”

Drake crew will compete at the Dad Vail Championship, the largest regatta in North America, May 13-14 in Philadelphia, Pa.

RESULTS
Varsity 4       
1    Mercyhurst           06:47.6
2    Purdue                 07:03.0
3    Northwestern B     07:13.0
4    Drake B                07:22.7
5    Chicago                07:35.2
6    Cleveland State     07:59.9

Varsity 4       
1    Northwestern A     06:10.0
2    Grand Valley         06:17.5
3    Ohio Univ.             06:19.1
4    Eastern Michigan  06:23.9
5    Drake A                06:29.1
6    John Carroll           06:29.4

Varsity 8       
1    Purdue                 05:28.7
2    Drake                   05:45.3
3    Eastern Michigan  05:49.6
4    Northwestern        05:52.0