Varsity Eight Takes Second

WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – Highlighted by a second-place finish for the varsity eight, No. 8 Stanford finished sixth as a team at the NCAA Women's Rowing Championships Sunday morning at Lake Mercer.  
 
Stanford totaled 105 points, giving the Cardinal its fourth consecutive top-six team finish in the NCAA Championships. Ohio State (106 points) edged the Cardinal out for fifth, with Texas (fourth-108 points), Michigan (third-112 points), California (second- 123 points) and Washington (first-132 points) occupying the top four in the final standings. The Huskies gave the Pac-12 its 500th championship all-time.  
 
Along with the second-place finish in the varsity eight, the second varsity eight and varsity four each placed ninth overall.
 
"We really finished strong," said senior Ruth Narode, who rowed in the five seat of the varsity eight. "We put together three good races this weekend. We finished the final race knowing we gave everything and we are so happy to finish strong. I am really proud of all our teammates. I love this team so much."

Senior Ruth Narode (five seat of the V8) recaps her experience and Stanford's 2nd place finish at the NCAA Championships. #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/JRCwGLMbJ6

— Stanford Rowing (@StanfordRowing) May 28, 2017

 
Stanford's varsity eight also posted its fourth consecutive top-six finish at the NCAA Championships, taking home the silver medal in the Grand Final Sunday morning. Stanford, Washington and California were locked in a tight dual in an all-Pac-12 pack ahead of the field early on in the Grand Final. With the Huskies holding a slight edge, Stanford and Cal were level for second at 500 meters. The Cardinal pushed its bow ball ahead to take over sole possession of second place and began taking water away from the Huskies as the boats approached the midpoint of the course. With three quarters of a length advantage on California for second, the Cardinal challenged Washington for the lead. Stanford continued to close on the Huskies, closing the gap to five seats with 500 meters to go. Washington (6:36.939), however, held off Stanford (6:38.520) by five seats at the finish to secure the gold. The Cardinal took home the silver, finishing six seats ahead of California (6:40.069).  

The varsity eight takes the silver at the #NCAARow Championships. #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/85ICItEy9E

— Stanford Rowing (@StanfordRowing) May 28, 2017

 
Stanford's second varsity eight held the third position early on its Petite Final, before making a move towards the front. The Cardinal opened a length lead on Virginia for third by the midpoint of the course and was taking water away from Yale for second as they headed towards the finish. Stanford was within a seat of Yale with 250 meters remaining, pulling within a deck of the Bulldogs at the finish. With Texas (6:48.403) taking the Petite Final, Yale (6:49.793) edged Stanford (6:50.220) for second by less than a second. The third-place finish in the Petite Final gave the Cardinal a ninth-place finish in the second varsity eight overall.
 

The 2V finishes third in a very crowded #NCAARow Final. #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/KMOINf7pnn

— Stanford Rowing (@StanfordRowing) May 28, 2017

Stanford's varsity four also finished third in its Petite Final to place ninth overall. Locked in a tight battle with Wisconsin, Iowa and Yale for most of the race, Stanford tried to maneuver to the front of the crowded pack. With Wisconsin holding a slight edge, Stanford pulled level with Yale for second with 750 meters to go. As the Cardinal and Bulldogs traded positions, Wisconsin (7:26.277) took first in the final. Yale (7:27.617) opened a seat lead over Stanford (7:30.875) with 500 meters to go and held off the Cardinal for second place.

Stanford finishes third in the #NCAARow Petite Final. pic.twitter.com/AcmjzZPB2M

— Stanford Rowing (@StanfordRowing) May 28, 2017

 
The NCAA Championships completed another successful season for the Cardinal, posting its fourth consecutive top-six finish as a team as well as the varsity eight.
 

NCAA Championships Results

Varsity Eight

Second Varsity Eight

Varsity Four