May 18, 2003

Final Results from the Lexus Central/South Region Sprints (PDF Format)
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OAK RIDGE, TENN. - In the final day of women's rowing competition at the Lexus Central/South Region Sprints Sunday, North Carolina's varsity eight finished fifth in its race while the UNC novice eight took third. Both Tar Heel boats were competing in C finals, the third tier of the day's races, after the grand and petite finals.

After thunderstorms on Saturday, Sunday's racing on Lake Melton took place in much better weather. There were a few brief periods of heavy rain, but otherwise the crews competed in humid conditions with a light wind.

The varsity eight's time of 6:46.8 was Carolina's second fastest of its three races on the weekend, but put the Tar Heels fifth of six teams in the C final. Kansas State won the C final with a time of 6:41.9 and Southern Methodist barely edged UNC for fourth in a time of 6:46.0. Carolina placed 17th overall in the varsity eight field of 21.

"Sunday's race was a little disappointing, but only because we had such a great performance on Saturday," said UNC coach Sarah Haney. "We definitely learned a lot. It was a great race, a great regatta. We came away with a lot of experience, competitiveness, hope and excitement for next year."

The novice eight finished in 7:09.2, third in its four-boat C final. Cincinnati won in 7:01.0 and Eastern Michigan was second at 7:02.9. The Tar Heels were seventh overall in the field of eight.

Ohio State won the Lexus Cup as the overall team champion and also claimed the Central Region title. Virginia was second overall and won the South Region championship.

North Carolina Varsity 8
Lineup: Terry McCloskey (coxswain), Rebecca Bennett, Lauren Tarabokia, Jenny Cox, Grace Wallenborn, Michelle Hall, Jess Ziebell, Sarah Stargel, Julie Domina
C Final Results: 1. Kansas State (6:41.9); 2. Cincinnati (6:43.7); 3. Louisville (6:45.4); 4. SMU (6:46.0); 5. UNC (6:48.8); 6. Eastern Michigan (6:51.0)

North Carolina Novice 8
Lineup: Lauren Portnow (coxswain), Kristin McPhillips, Clara Leigh, Emily Dondero, Susan Fisk, Laura Haythorn, Claire Bramble, Amanda Snow, Stephanie Hoffmann
C Final Results: 1. Cincinnati (7:01.0); 2. Eastern Michigan (7:02.9); 3. UNC (7:09.2); 4. SUM (7:15.3)