BELLEVILLE, Mich. – No. 2 Texas Rowing had four boats earn victories against No. 9 Michigan on Saturday morning at Belleville Lake to sweep the Wolverines for the second consecutive year.
Racing over the 2,000-meter course was impacted by a strong tailwind that made for a fast first 1,000 meters. Conditions deteriorated in the second half of the race with a heavy chip that resulted in challenging racing.
“Heading into this race I knew it was going to be challenge, and the conditions added an extra element,” said Texas head coach Dave O’Neill. “It was great to see our entire team step into the adversity head on, and the end results were very positive.”
The Longhorns kicked the morning off with a victory by the First Eight, winning with a time of 6:08.10, more than five seconds ahead of the Michigan I Eight. Racing with the tailwind, Texas was fast through the first half of the race until conditions fell off during the second 1,000 meters and the crew was challenged.
“They stayed calm and handled everything really well,” O’Neill noted. “Lanie Nitsch and Abby Dawson switched positions for today’s race, and it seemed to work equally as well as last week in San Diego. It’s a good sign when individuals are able to row different ends of the boat. I give them a lot of credit.”
Texas followed that with an open water win from the Second Eight in 6:22.30, with Michigan registering a time of 6:34.24. The Longhorns took advantage of the calm waters in the first portion of the course to move ahead quickly and were able to work through the rough waters that intensified at the end of the course to come away with the dominating win.
“They weren’t able to row the full course yesterday, so they were heading into unknown territory at the end,” O’Neill said. “They’re a really young crew, but they’re racing like seasoned veterans. Sue Holderness is doing a terrific job at stroke seat.”
In the I Four, the Longhorns took down the Wolverines with another open water victory, crossing the line in 6:59.70 followed by Michigan in 7:10.27.
“The four stepped up and raced really well. It was the same lineup that raced last weekend in San Diego, and they’re doing quite well. Katherine Nordheim in two seat is still pretty new to the sport but has been performing at a really high level.”
The Texas II Four completed the sweep, recording a time of 7:05.90 to Michigan’s 7:13.07.
“The second four is a brand new combination and had rowed maybe 6,000 meters together before lining up this morning,” O’Neill said. “It was great to have Nadja Yaroschuk back in a boat after missing last weekend due to injury.”
Texas’ First Eight, Second Eight and Four are unbeaten through three races each this season.
“We have plenty of work to do and have a big challenge in two weeks,” O’Neill noted. “Everyone is definitely looking forward to what ahead.”
Next up, Texas will host the Longhorn Invite, set to return to Lake Walter E. Long on Saturday, April 27 after a one-year hiatus. The Longhorns will welcome defending NCAA Champion Stanford, currently the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, 13-time defending ACC champions Virginia and 10-time Big Ten champions Ohio State. Virginia placed 10th at the 2023 NCAA Championships and Ohio State finished 12th at last year’s national regatta. The four programs have combined to win nine of the last 14 NCAA championships.
RESULTS
I Eight
1. TEXAS – 6:08.10
2. Michigan – 6:13.30
II Eight
1. TEXAS – 6:22.30
2. Michigan – 6:34.24
I Four
1. TEXAS – 6:59.70
2. Michigan – 7:10.27
II Four
1. TEXAS – 7:05.90
2. Michigan – 7:13.07
LINEUPS
I Eight: Carly Legenzowski (c), Mette Nielsen (stroke), Abby Dawson, Anna Jensen, Etta Carpender, Marg Van der Wal, Parker Illingworth, Cassandre Korvink-Kucinski, Lanie Nitsch (bow)
II Eight: Amy Werner (c), Sue Holderness (stroke), Paula Becher, Rhiannon Luke, Allie Alton, Phoebe Wise, Taryn Kooyers, Savvy Jerome, Anna Garrison (bow)
I Four: Paris West (c), Ellie Rodriguez (stroke), Phoebe Robinson, Katherine Nordheim, Lucy Searle (bow)
II Four: Janet Goode (c), Nadja Yaroschuk (stroke), Harriet Wallace, Salma Dessouky, Alex Rollins (bow)
