VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Rollins women's varsity eight and four traveled to Vancouver, Wash,  to compete in the NCRC Regatta, Saturday morning as the boats faced some of the best competition in the nation.

Racing was delayed early in the morning due to fog.  When the crews finally reached the water, the varsity eight led things off.  Going up against the top three Division II Champions from the 2008 NCAA's, the Rollins women had their work cut out.  East coast rival, Dowling made the trip and was lined up right next to Rollins for the race.  Off the line, the Tars held their own and made a race of it.   Western Washington and Dowling pulled away leaving it a close race between Rollins, Humboldt and Seattle Pacific.    In the end, Rollins finished fifth, just 2 seconds off of fourth.  

"The ladies raced hard and put a solid race together" said Coach Pistor.  "The west coast schools definitely have speed and racing like this only increases our confidence as we head to our State and Southern Championship.”

The varsity eight was comprised of Emily Collins (cox), Justine Rooney, Katie Broome Chelsi Wilkerson, Ashley Franklin, Michelle Sosa, Kimberly Dirschka, Elizabeth McDonald and Kristina Aronson.
 
The varsity four followed and had a tough race against Humboldt, Western Wash and UC San Diego.   The lineup of Christina Goodwin (cox), Louisa Gibbs, Andrea Micci, Blair Smith and Jennifer Collins put up a good fight early but were unable to hang with the other teams.  

"This boat still has speed to gain and this type of racing shows us our weakness" said assistant coach Kim Lucy.

NCRC Regatta

April 4, 2009

Vancouver, Wash.

Varsity Eight:  1. Western Wash 7:13.8; 2. Dowling 7:24.0 3. Seattle Pacific  7:28.1; 4. Humbolt State 7:35.2; 5. Rollins 7:37.2; 6. UC San Diego  7:54.8
 
Varsity Four: 1. Humboldt 8:19.9; 2. Western 8:25.1; 3. UC San Diego 8:31.2; 4. Rollins 9:01.7