Rowing Medals Six at Chattanooga Head Race
10/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Alabama Rowing continued its fall season with a successful day on the Tennessee River, medaling six boats at the Chattanooga Head Race, including gold in the Women's Collegiate 8+ and Novice 8+.
"The conditions were not ideal but the girls responded very well," said Head Coach Larry Davis. "We had a chance to come away with six medals so it was a good first regatta to go to. We showed some of the things that we improved on from our meet against UAH, while there are still some things we need to work on. It was a positive day overall, especially considering we were able to have success in conditions we don't normally see on the Black Warrior River."
The Crimson Tide got off to a hot start in the Women's Collegiate 8+, sweeping the top three spots and placing four in the top six. The winning boat crossed the line in 17:00.91 and was led by Zoe Lynch (C) along with Ashley Allison (8), Logan O'Neil (7), Olivia Dennis (6), Nicole Lane (5), Madeline Kuntz (4), Maureen Purcell (3), Jennifer Parker (2) and Caitlin O'Neil. Lizzy Van Zandt and Caroline Blackington were at the helm of the second (17:30.04) and third-place (17:50.10) boats, respectively, while a fourth Alabama boat crossed the line in 18:29.93 to place sixth.
The Tide's lone Novice 8+ boat led the pack, winning the event in 18:34.58. Taylor Hendri was the coxswain, leading Olivia Miller (8), Hannah Gammon (7), Hannah Kirven (6), Tayla Cabana (5), Emily Demmer (4), Meghan Pollner (3), Julie Leonard (2) and Gina Lupo.
In the Championship 2x race, Alabama claimed three of the top four spots, led by Jennifer Parker and Abby Marks in second in 20:28.58. Alabama's leading Collegiate 2+ crew placed seventh in 21:18.33 while the leading 4+ boat placed fifth in 19:05.84.
Alabama continues its fall season next weekend in Cambridge, Mass., at the Head of the Charles Regatta. Two days of races begin on Saturday, Oct. 18.
"The level of intensity at the Head of the Charles is a lot more demanding. We'll have to manage the course well. Boston is a very intimidating course with a number of twists and turns. We'll have to make sure we won't be distracted by the course, the noise and the top-flight competition. The level of competition is one of the key reasons we go up there."
Players Mentioned
