OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Drake Rowing competed at the SIRA Championship Regatta this weekend, facing strong competition and continuing to build experience against some of the fastest crews on its schedule.

The Bulldogs raced a novice four and a varsity eight at Melton Hill Lake. Drake's novice four posted a time of 8:40.410 to finish sixth in the Women's Novice 4+ Open A Final, while the varsity eight recorded a 7:23.092 time to place fifth in the Women's Varsity 8+ Open B Final.

Head Coach Charlie DiSilvestro was encouraged by the way the Bulldogs handled the challenge of a high-level regatta.

"I was really proud of how our team performed at this regatta," DiSilvestro said. "We saw some incredibly fast crews, and our team stepped up to the competition and got better as the weekend went on. We had beautiful weather, and the team was prepared, just like they have been all year. We're still a young team and still growing, so we learned a lot, but they really came together, supported each other, and grew as a family. We're excited to get back on the water next week at the MACRA Regatta in Indianapolis."

The regatta gave Drake another opportunity to measure itself against strong competition as the Bulldogs continue to grow throughout the spring season.

Drake will return to action next week at the MACRA Regatta in Indianapolis, Indiana.