May 17, 2003
Oak Ridge, Tenn. – The Notre Dame rowing team had two crews advance to the grand finals and three others move to the petite finals after the first day of the 2003 Central/South Sprints in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The day’s races were moved up after inclement weather moved through the area causing a reshuffling of race times and events. Even with the elements and trying conditions, the Irish second varsity eight and the second four advanced to Sunday’s grand finals, while the varsity eight, the varsity four and the novice eight all advanced to the petite finals.
The second varsity eight crew of coxswain Kathryn Long, stroke Shannon Mohan, Danielle Protasewich, Kathleen Welsh, Meredith Thornburgh, Katie Chenoweth, Devon Hegeman, Erica Drennen and Melissa Felker finished third in the second heat of the day with a time of 6:45.40. The Irish, along with Iowa and Michigan, advanced to the afternoon’s semifinals where Notre Dame placed second in a time of 6:39.7. Only Michigan was faster in the semifinal heat as both advanced to Sunday’s grand finals.
In the second varsity four, the crew of Maureen Gibbons, Kristen Mizzi, Sarah Keefer, Kristin Henkel and Jacqueline Hazen won its heat in a time of 7:27.80 advancing to the grand finals on Sunday. Notre Dame was first followed by Michigan (7:32.0), Michigan State (7:44.5) and Kansas State (7:48.70).
The varsity eight of coxswain Cassie Markstahler, Natalie Ladine, Ashlee Warren, Kati Sedun, Rachel Polinski, Alice Bartek, Meghan Boyle, Casey Buckstaff and Kerri Murphy had a good first race placing second in its heat with a time of 6:33.1. Only Michigan posted a faster time in heat one with a time of 6:30.5 as the Wolverines advanced to the semifinals with Notre Dame and Minnesota from that heat. In the semifinals, Notre Dame just missed advancing to the grand finals after placing fourth in its heat with a time of 6:30.70. The top three crews advance to the grand finals as Michigan was first in 6:23.6, followed by Tennessee in 6:25.6 and Michigan State in 6:27.1. The Irish will compete in Sunday’s petite finals with Minnesota, Clemson, Iowa, Duke and Miami.
The first varsity four crew of coxswain Kacy McCaffrey, stroke Katie McCaulden, Christy Donnelly, Katie O’Hara and Andrea Amoni finished third in its opening heat in a time of 7:32.30. The Irish trailed Iowa (7:27.0) and Tennessee (7:32.10) as all three advanced to the semifinals. In the semis, the Irish finished fifth in their heat to qualify for the petite finals. Michigan was first in 7:20.3, followed by Clemson in 7:23.4, Michigan State in 7:25.1, Tennessee in 7:34.4 and the Irish.
In the novice eight, the crew of Shannan Lettieri, Pamela Jefson, Julie Lewis, Morgan Ertel, Danielle Stealy, Jenna Redgate, Sarah French, Andrea Doud and Megan Sheehan finished third in its opening heat in a time of 6:55.1. Indiana was first in 6:50.7, while Michigan was second in 6:52.5. In the semifinals, the Irish advanced to the petite finals by placing fourth in its heat. Duke was first in 6:46.70, followed by Michigan in 6:49.0, Michigan State in 6:50.0 and the Irish in 6:53.2.
The Central/South Sprints continue Sunday starting at 9:00 a.m. EDT. For complete results of Saturday’s races, please visit www.utladyvols.com.