Willamette Rowing Team Defeats Chico State in Women's Varsity 8+

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

OROVILLE, Calif. -- Willamette University took an early lead and remained in front the whole way for a victory over the Chico State club ream in the women's varsity 8+ during a dual regatta on Wednesday, March 25 at the Forebay Aquatic Center. Chico State won the women's novice 8+.

The course featured flat water with no wind. The teams competed over a 2,000-meter course. Julia Di Simone (Fr., Livermore, CA/Livermore Valley Charter Prep) was the coxswain for the Bearcats in both races.

Willamette's winning time in the WV8+ was 7:42.3, with Chico State finishing at 7:57.0. The Bearcats won by a sizable distance with open water between the two boats.

"We have been working hard during this spring training week and I think the pieces came together well this morning," WU Head Coach Reba Knickerbocker said regarding the WVi8+.

"One of the goals and best feelings of competitive rowing is the moment when the rowers push together as one boat; instead of feeling like each individual is working hard you feel as if everyone is pushing the boat together, pulling at the same time, and being connected in their power and technique," Knickerbocker added. "They found that feeling today and it made all the difference."

Rowing on Willamette's WV8+ were stroke Katy Wallner (Jr., Petaluma, CA/Petaluma HS), 7-seat Hannah Puckett (So., Davis, CA/Davis HS), 6-seat Abby Bernhard (Fr., Seattle, WA/Roosevelt HS), 5-seat Carrie Moore (Fr., Walla Walla, WA/South Eugene HS), 4-seat Bea McAlister (Jr., Kenmore, WA/Inglemoor HS), 3-seat Angela Witty (Jr./Fr., Eugene, OR/Sheldon HS), 2-seat Molly Pritchard (So., Medford, OR/South Medford HS), and bow Sarah Fish (Jr., Issaquah, WA/Holy Names Academy).

In the WN8+, Chico State reached the finish line first in 8:17.9. Willamette was second in 8:26.5. Chico State led at the start, but the Willamette novice crew kept contact with the Wildcats for most of the race. Chico State gained an edge over the final 500 meters.

"Overall, the novices made big improvements in technique since racing at the Hagg Lake Invitational," Knickerbocker said.

The WN8+ for the Bearcats featured Sophia Nordt (Fr., Wenatchee, WA/Wenatchee HS) at stroke, Elsa Roush (Fr., Jackson Hole, WA/Jackson Hole HS) at 7-seat, Sarah Crabb (Fr., Highlands Ranch, CO/Mountain Vista HS) at 6-seat, Ingrid Avila (Fr., Redwood City, CA/Summit Prep) at 5-seat, Navi Hewage (Fr., Walnut Creek, CA/Northgate HS) at 4-seat, Brenda Mittlebuscher (Fr., Lafayette, CA/Acalanes HS) at 3-seat, Gillian Weisenfluh (Fr., Atherton, CA/Menlo Atherton HS) at 2-seat, and Holly Walsh (Fr., Scottsdale, AZ/Horizon HS) at bow.