April 1, 2012
San Diego Crew Classic Results
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Stanford oarswomen turned in a pair of top-six finishes at the San Diego Crew Classic Sunday, as the II Eight grabbed fourth place in the Jackie Ann Stitt Hungness Cup Grand Final and the I Eight took sixth in the Jessop-Whittier Cup final.
Despite challenging cross-wind conditions, the Cardinal boats closed out their Grand Final races and took home top-six finishes.
The II Eight battled to a fourth-place finish in a tight race for the Jackie Ann Stitt Hungness Cup, crossing the line in 7:21.60, seven seconds back of winner UCLA and just two seconds behind third-place Virginia.
In the Jessop-Whittier Cup Grand Final, the I Eight competed hard against four Pac-12 rivals in California, Washington, UCLA, USC as well as perennial power Virginia. The Cardinal ended up sixth with a time of 7:18.92, 15 seconds behind winner USC.
"I'm so glad we came to the Crew Classic this year to open the season," said head coach Yasmin Frooq. "For 10 of the rowers on the squad it was their first 2,000-meter race. To get that experience in six- and seven-lane regatta-style racing was invaluable, especially for our novice eight, which was comprised of eight true walk-ons, four openweights and four lightweights. They did a fantastic job.
"Our I eight and II eight had solid races in the heats and made good steps in the final," Farooq continued. "I know a lot has been said about the outer lanes being compromised by the windy conditions and outgoing tide, but everyone knows those are factors when you come here to compete and if you don't win the heat, you know that's where you are going to race in the final. Racing in lane six was a great lesson for the varsity eight. They'll be better off for it down the road."
The Cardinal women return to action in two weeks, competing at the Lake Natoma Invitational at Gold River, Calif. Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15.
Lineups:
I Eight: Lorei, Alix Chrumka, Kristy Wentzel, Caitlin Byrnes, Daphne Martschenko, Sarah Bolmer
II Eight: Jenna Levy, Ali Fauci, Nancy Miles, Claire Grover, Marielle Higgins, Valerie Frank, Kayla Cornale, Courtney Carrabino, Rebeca Felix
Four: Naomi Cornman, Maddie Graham, Elsa Brown, Shanique Martin, Chelsea Shannon
Novice Eight: Molly Fehr, Isabelle Neylan, Kathryn Kolb, Maddie McCartney, Lucy Randall, Nicole Gilmore, Kate Kidd, Briana Ross, Katie Kramon.