MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The Barry University rowing team picked up some confidence before heading into the bulk of the championship racing season with a win over NCAA Division I UConn on Saturday morning at the Indian Creek course.
In a single dual race, the Buccaneers (Mirline Valentin, coxswain; Janelle Cross, stroke; Robin Cascioli, Elise Carlson, Rebekah Evans, Stephanie Ricker, Stephanie Logsdon, Rhiannon Doka and Summerlin Knipe, bow) rowed a time of 7:19 in the varsity 8 race beating UConn’s junior varsity boat that finished with a time of 7:27.
Despite the great conditions and flat water, the Buccaneers ran into a bit of a snag late in the race. With 400 meters to go, the Barry shell caught a patch of sea grass on the skeg that nearly pulled the boat off course. However, coxswain Valentin managed to clear the rudder and the Bucs still managed a seven second win.
“This was another great confidence builder for our young ladies before we head into the rest of the season,” head coach Dave Sanderson said. “Mirline did a great job of clearing the skeg and the rest of the boat managed to maintain focus to finish strong for the win.”
The Buccaneers will return to action next weekend, Mar. 22 at the Canal 54 duals in Fellsmere, Fla.