Omaha, Nebraska — After fighting through rain and lighting delays in Omaha, the Bulldogs finally hit the water for a skirmish with Creighton. The Bulldogs and Blue Jays raced three times, and Drake was unable to secure a first-place finish against Creighton's two boats, despite remaining close behind. 
 
"I was really proud of all the way the ream rowed today," Head Coach Charlie DiSilvestro said. "We have been training harder this year than we have for a very long time, not just getting more physically fit but they were mentally stronger this week than they have been in years. We've worked very hard on mental toughness, and they did a great job today. Creighton's a fast boat but we stood toe-to-toe; we did not bend. Today we led in the second varsity race for three-quarters of it and we just got edged out."
 
The Bulldogs' first varsity eight finished with a 7:33.8 time, just behind Creighton's first boat which notched a 7:29.1 time. The Blue Jays' second varsity eight finished in third with an 8:47.4 time.
 
"The biggest challenge this year after training hard has been becoming mentally stronger in the middle of a race, and they did a really great job of that," DiSilvestro said. "You always want to win but today they proved they're very mentally strong. I've been telling them all year to win the day. Whether it's in practice or racing, you have to win the day. After you win a lot of days, you start feeling confident."
 
The Bulldogs' second varsity eight finished in second place in its race with an 8:01.9 time. Creighton's top boat finished at 7:54.2 and its second boat finished at 8:39.4. The Bulldogs varsity four finished in third place with a 10:02.2 time.
 
"I think today was a good confidence builder," DiSilvestro said. "We're not satisfied but we're excited that we were able to put together a very strong 2,000-meter race. And this was their first 2,000-meter race of the year and we're in a good position now. We have a lot of room for improvement but we're ready to meet the challenge."
 
The Bulldogs will race again next Saturday, April 5 in the Lubbers Cup at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
 
Results:
1V8 - second place, 7:33.8
Coxswain: Camille Gretter
Jessica Seelinger
Allyson Afrank
Caitlyn Figge
Maggie Poltrock
Camille Cole
Liliana Magnuson
Cayden Anderson
Skyler Duke
 
1V4 - third place, 10:02.2
Coxswain: Izzy Silva
Hailey Castelar 
Katherine Hanses
Noelle Burke
Kaylee Counter
 
2V8 - second place, 8:01.9
Coxswain: Sarah Chastain
Jazmynn Good
Alana Rater
Claire Martin
Claire Mulder
Lucy Grizzle
Lillian Bitker
Zoey Borkowski
Gracie Joblinske