March 4, 2007

Tiger Rowing Sweeps Eastern Michigan Saturday

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.