April 6, 2002
San Diego, Calif. – Notre Dame’s first varsity eight crew of stroke Jayme Szefc, Michelle Olsgard, Ashlee Warren, Becky Luckett, Diane Price, Natalie Ladine, Katie Besson, Katherine Burnett and coxswain Cassie Markstahler finished third in its heat and advanced to the grand finals of the prestigious Jessop-Whittier Cup in San Diego, Calif. The Irish, ranked 20th in the nation, finished heat one in 6:51.60 and was third behind third-ranked Ohio State (6:45.96) and No. 11 California (6:47.91). The top three boats from each heat and the fourth place boat with the fastest time advances to the grand finals.
Notre Dame, who led at the 1,000 meter mark after starting in lane six, had the sixth-fastest time overall today and had a quicker time than USC, who is ranked ninth in the country, No. 14 Texas and No. 19th ranked Oregon State. In heat two, top-ranked Washington was first in 6:44.10, followed by Stanford (6:49.15) and Virginia (6:50.59). Washington State was fourth in 6:52.26, also advancing to the grand finals on Sunday.
“We had a great race today and the athletes are excited about the results,” head coach Martin Stone said. “We are looking forward to competing in the grand finals tomorrow.”
In the junior varsity race, the Irish second varsity eight of stroke Megan Feely, Kerri Murphy, Erica Drennen, Courtney Mercer, Jacqueline Hazen, Melissa Alberding, Kathleen Welsh, Danielle Protasewich and coxswain Kathryn Long placed third in its heat, missing the grand final. Only the top two teams from each heat compete in the grand final. Instead, Notre Dame will race in the petite final on Sunday.
Jessop-Whittier Cup results
Heat One:1. Ohio State (No. 3) 6:45.962. California (No. 11) 6:47.913. Notre Dame (No. 20) 6:51.604. Oregon State (No. 19) 6:54.865. USC (No. 9) 6:58.946. Clemson 7:00.237. Tulsa 7:18.25
Heat Two:1. Washington (No. 1) 6:44.102. Stanford (No. 13) 6:49.153. Virginia (No. 6) 6:50.594. Washington State 6:52.265. Texas (No. 14) 6:58.776. Miami 7:03.407. Navy 7:06.90
Junior Varsity race
Heat Three:1. California 7:00.292. Texas 7:06.803. Notre Dame 7:11.054. Stanford 7:13.565. Duke 7:14.186. UCLA 7:30.547. UCSD 8:14.02