March 31, 2007

SAN DIEGO - For the first time in a decade, the Owls Varsity 8 squad will be competing in the Grand Final of the San Diego Crew Classic, after edging out Santa Clara by eight tenths of a second to collect a second place finish.

The Varsity 8 is comprised of coxswain Jillian Ploof, Stephanie Hanlin (stroke), Laura Altimari (7), Lauren Fattori (6), Rachel Jordan (5), Leah Silverstein (4), Colleen Sullivan (3), Jessica Herrman (2) and Amanda Barr (bow).

Head coach Tim Hagan was pleased with the way the Owls raced on the first day of competition. "It was by far our best race of the year. We raced well and held off a good Santa Clara crew at the end," said Hagan.

The Grand Final will take place on Sunday, April 1 on Mission Bay in San Diego.

Results for Women's Varsity 8 race:

1st-SUNY Buffalo: 7:05.89

2nd-Temple: 7:13.11

3rd-Santa Clara: 7:13.94

4th-USD: 7:18.66

5th-UC Irvine: 7:21.65