Posted: Sunday, May 17, 2009 9:32:00 PM EST
Published: Sunday, May 17, 2009 9:34:58 PM EST
Iowa's best finish came from the 1V8+ boat who won the petite final in a time of 6:11.7, recording 126 team points for the Hawkeyes.
"I thought the varsity eights rowed solid and put together a very good race," said Head Coach Mandi Kowal. "They took control of the race around 750 meters in, and maintained a solid lead to the end after challenges from Louisville and Minnesota."
Kowal also commented on the second varsity eight's solid performance, which scored 78 team points with a second place finish in the petite finals. They finished the final in a time of 6:28.4, only 1.3 seconds behind Notre Dame's winning boat.
"It was a very good race, their best of the season. At one point, they were a boat length down to Notre Dame and made a strong move at the end, but came up short,"" said Kowal. ""Still, we were pleased with how they rowed and the race they put together as a crew."
Iowa's varsity four boat also put a strong performance together and placed fourth in the 1V4+ petite final in a time of 7:22.8. Iowa's open 4+ boats finished fifth in their respective finals. Iowa's open 4+ A boat finished the petite final in a time of 7:17.5 while the open 4+ B boat finished the C final in a time of 7:20.73.
Kowal was also happy with her team's focused mentality throughout the weekend.
"I was proud of how they approached the weekend, taking one step at a time," added Kowal. "This was a very strong and fast field, and I thought the team handled the weekend well. We are not exactly where we would like to be, but are moving in the right direction. The momentum is contagious and exciting."
Selections will be announced May 19, for the participants of the 2009 NCAA Rowing Championships.




























