May 15, 2005
The Stanford Women competed at Lake Natoma in Rancho Cordova today at thePac-10 Conference Championship's. In the morning heats the Cardinal qualifiedthe first and second varsity to the first level final and the varsity four tothe second level final.
In the first level finals the second varsity misfired off the starting lineand started slightly off the pack. The Cardinal boat fought hard but could notpull back to the group that shot off the line. Stanford finished in fifth aheadof WSU.
Coach Aimee Baker comments, "In such a competitive field it is toughto have a bobbled start and be competitive. This boat has had a great seasonand for them to not have their best race in the final is really tough. I amproud that they fought back in the race and of their efforts all season."
The first varsity came off the line even with all crews. California took aslight lead with Stanford in second in a close race with Washington and USC.California continued to lead the pack as Stanford and USC moved away fromWashington. The Cardinal had just enough in the last 100 meters to take secondas USC charged in the final meters.
Coach Aimee Baker states, " This is a great finish for this boat. We had not faced Washington this year so coming inthe Huskies were a real unknown and USC had finished right on us at the CrewClassic in April. Cal has been great all year so for Stanford to get the silveramongst this high level competition is a very good accomplishment."
The Cardinal team finished 5th in NCAA points with the combined results ofthe team boats. NCAA bids will be announced on Tuesday, May 17. For completeresults of the Pac-10 racing please go to http://www.jamcotimes.com/2005/pacten/index.htm.