April 26, 2008

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The University of Miami rowing team, in its final tune-up before next month's South/Central Championships, swept all three races against Jacksonville University Saturday morning on the St. John's River. With six total crews competing against the Dolphins on Saturday, Miami placed first and second in both the Varsity Eight race and the Varsity Four race after a win in the Novice Eight race to open the day.

In the 1^st Varsity Eight race, UM's "A" crew of coxswain Shira Kharrazi, stroke Kelly Amsler, Tara Eddings, Laura Cordner, Emily Wingrove, Monika Sajincic, Karalyn Van Aken, Sarah Medland and bow Bethany Krawec edged out the Hurricanes' "B" team of coxswain Christina Crocco, stroke Louise Parry, Marleena Eyre, Caitlin Augustin, Rachael Sporko, Nic Saner, Hannah McKay, Olivia Arkell and bow Stephanie Parrish in close race, 5:52.6-to-5:54.7. Jacksonville's crew placed third in a time of 6:05.0.

"I am proud of how hard we raced today after a very tough week in practice," head coach Robbie Tenenbaum said. "Our two Varsity Eights were very close to each other and it was fun to watch them battle back and forth throughout the race."

The Varsity Four race was won by the bow half of UM's 1^st Varsity Eight team -Crocco (coxswain), Sajincic (stroke), Krawec, Medland and Van Aken (bow) - in a time of 6:12.1. UM's "B" team of Kharrazi (coxswain), Eddings (stroke), Cordner, Wingrove and Amsler (bow) came in second with a mark of 6:22.7, five seconds ahead of JU's top crew.

"We split up our Varsity Eight crew to get a little extra racing in," Tenenbaum said. "Christina, Karalyn, Sarah, Beth and Monika showed me the fire that is in their belly today. They really went after this race and took command from the start."

The Novice Eight crew of coxswain Heather Hollembeak, stroke  Parrish, Alexa McCanick, Sierra Winings, Elizabeth Teel, Carolyn Cough, Whitney Gahagen, Adrienne DiTommaso and bow Ally Hodgkins fell behind early on against JU, but pushed through about 750 meters into the race to claim the 6:21.7-to-6:24.7 win.

"The Novices had a fantastic race today," Tenenbaum added. "I was pleased with the way they were able to respond after falling behind early to come from behind for the victory."

Miami will now begin its preparation for the Aramark South/Central Championships, May 17-18 in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Miami vs. Jacksonville Results

Varsity Eight

1) Miami "A" - 5:52.6

2) Miami "B" - 5:54.7

3) Jacksonville - 6:05.0

Varsity Four

1) Miami "C" - 6:12.1

2) Miami "B" - 6:22.7

3) Jacksonville "A" - 6:27.6

4) Jacksonville "C" - 6:28.5

5) Miami "A" - 6:43.8

6) Jacksonville "B" - 6:54.2

Novice Eight

1) Miami - 6:21.7

2) Jacksonville - 6:24.7