March 3, 2007

Clemson, SC - The Clemson rowing team began the spring season in fine fashion Saturday, sweeping the Eastern Michigan Eagles in six races on Lake Hartwell. The Tigers have now swept the Eagles three straight years in the spring season opener.

The regatta took place on a cool, windy day at Lake Hartwell. The wind was especially tough through the middle portion of the course. While not ideal conditions, the Tiger crews showed good speed regardless and won the races by convincing margins.

In the varsity 8+, Clemson's top boat took care of business against Eastern Michigan. The Tigers completed the 2000m course with a time of 6:52.0, while EMU crossed the finish line in 7:18.3. That crew consisted of Abbey Fernandez (coxswain), Suzanne Van Fleet, Lizzy Jennings, Sarah Cooper, Brittany Cummings, Barbi Breimann, Lindsay Sheppard, Jessica Leidecker, and Kristen Weinacker.

In the second varsity 8+, the Tigers' top crew won the race with a time of 7:02, while the third varsity 8+ crossed the finish line in 7:21. EMU came across third with a time of 7:41.4. The second varsity 8+ crew consisted of Sarah Hayward (cox), Ford Heiner, Megan Bendik, Brittney Gamble, Melanie McDaniel, Hilary Cumbest, Brittany Robinson, Blair Brendle, and Nicole Rau.

The first novice 8+ won their event as well for Clemson. Coxed by Meredith Razzolini, the crew finished the race with a time of 7:34.6. The second novice 8+ finished behind with a time of 7:44.9, while EMU posted a time of 8:09.8.

Two separate varsity 4+ races were held Saturday, as the top boats split up with each school having two crews competing in races at 10:00 AM and 10:20 AM. In the first 4+ race, Clemson's B team of Elyse Roenick (cox), Breimann, Sheppard, Leidecker, and Weinacker claimed the top prize (7:40.4). In the second 4+, the Tigers' B team of Roenick, Gamble, McDaniel, Cumbest, and Robinson took first place. That boat had a time of 8:10.9.

The novice 4+ was the final event of the morning, held at 10:40. Clemson entered two boats, while EMU had three boats in that event. The Tigers' A boat of Eileen Sullivan (cox), Erika Fadden, Jacqueline Spoon, Michelle Nance, and Savannah Spearman. That crew had a time of exactly 7:00 on the 2000m course.

The Tigers return to action next Saturday, March 10 in a scrimmage with Boston College & Penn. Clemson will host a regatta with Indiana, Marist, & Purdue on March 17 as well.