CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (SMU) – The SMU rowing team wrapped up its fall schedule Sunday at the Rivanna Romp, hosted by the University of Virginia. The Mustangs raced two crews in the Varsity 8+, taking its top 16 rowers for the competition, and both crews finished in the top eight in the race.

SMU's A boat crossed the line in sixth place, finishing the 4,000-meter course in 13:56.4, while the B boat was just six seconds off the pace of the program's top crew. Virginia's crews finished first and third, while Duke was the only other program with multiple boats in the top eight of the 21-boat race.

"I am proud of our performances throughout the fall season. We raced against some top programs, and our finishes reflect the improvements we have made over the past few seasons," head coach Kim Cupini stated. "We've been getting faster, and this has been our fastest fall since I've been here. We have also increased the depth of our program, giving us an opportunity to improve in all of our boats."

SMU concluded the fall with five wins, 15 top-five finishes and 23 total top-10 performances in three competitions. The Mustangs start the sprint season on Feb. 29 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., against Alabama and Eastern Michigan.