OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (SMU) - SMU rowing won the American Athletic Conference Rowing Championship on Sunday at Melton Lake, securing a fourth-straight bid to the NCAA Championship.
 
SMU took home two victories in the score races in varsity four and second varsity eight. The team finished second in first varsity eight. The Mustangs finished four points ahead of Tulsa in the overall standings to secure their fourth straight conference title.

"I'm so proud of this team and thankful to all that supported us this year," said first year head coach Chase Graham. "This team has persevered and met every challenge that's presented itself. Hats off to our seniors who have won four conference championships in a row. Thanks to all our coaches and support staff that believed we could be champions."  

In a non-scored race, the Mustangs won second varsity four 7:47.564, a nearly three second victory.
 
In the varsity four, SMU put on a strong performance with a 5.654 winning margin over second place Sacramento State. The victory was the Mustangs fourth straight in the varsity four at the AAC Championship.
 
In second varsity eight, the Mustangs again took home the race title. SMU won by 4.401 seconds over second-place Tulsa. The Mustangs put themselves in a position where they needed a second-place or better finish in the final race to take the overall title.
 
The Mustangs finished second in first varsity eight to secure the conference crown for the fourth straight year. SMU finished 2.945 seconds behind Tulsa.
 
Five Mustangs were named first team all-conference: Emily Baker, Lauren Bilafer, Anne Ensley, Grace Knudson, Sarah Wood. Three Mustangs earned second team all-conference status, Macey Adley, Claire Murphy and Carly Wright.
 
SMU athletics set a new record for most championships in a season with eight. The Mustangs took home AAC titles in Football, Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Women's Golf, Women's Tennis and Rowing. they won an ASUN title in Men's Swimming and a national title in Equestrian.
 
SMU rowing will head to the NCAA Rowing Championship running May 31-June 2 in Bethel, Ohio.
 
 
2024 American Women's Rowing Championship Results

1.	SMU	132
2.	Tulsa	128
3.	Sacramento State	100
4.	Temple	72
5.	Old Dominion	48

Coaching Staff of the Year
Tulsa
 
All-Conference First Team
Sofia Bespalova, Old Dominion
Sydnie Bain, Sacramento State
Emily Baker, SMU
Lauren Bilafer, SMU
Anne Ensley, SMU
Grace Knudson, SMU
Sarah Wood, SMU
Alex Catalano, Temple
Kristina Harris, Tulsa
Johanna Kristof, Tulsa
Darya Vyrupayeva, Tulsa
 
All-Conference Second Team
Nicole Knight, Old Dominion
Emma Goldsmith, Sacramento State
Jessica Johnson, Sacramento State
Daria Okhremtchuk, Sacramento State
Macey Adley, SMU
Claire Murphy, SMU
Carly Wright, SMU
Amarna Milne, Temple
Niamh Kiely, Temple
Bella Musollino, Tulsa
Anna Shaw, Tulsa