April 19, 2009

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (SMU)-SMU rowing will race three boats in finals after a strong day of competition at the SIRA regatta on Saturday, April 18 at Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

In their opening heat, SMU's second varsity eight notched a third place finish to qualify for Sunday's final in the event, and will prepare to race against Kansas, Alabama, Indiana, Purdue, and Louisville.

The novice four had a strong outing, placing second in the preliminary heat to go on to the semifinals and place fourth, besting their initial time by 11 seconds and qualifying for tomorrow's petite final.

A varsity four crew of Fatima Ebrahim, Sofya Davydova, Beth Hendrian, M. Mason, and coxswain Emily Van Volkinburg had a strong showing, cruising to a fifth place finish in 8:25.00.

The varsity eight also progresses to the petite final, having raced to a fourth place finish after closing the gap to three seats in the final 100 meters.

The Mustangs will wrap up competition on Sunday at the SIRA regatta on Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tenn.