FELLSMERE, Fla. – Barry University’s rowing team opened the season Saturday with a pair of runner-up finishes at the Governor’s Cup at Canal 54.

In ideal conditions with little to no wind in the races hosted by Florida Tech, Barry’s Varsity 8 of coxswain Angela Dasch, stroke Kristina Boncheva, Beth Desmond, Paola Girotto, Sam McKenzie, Rosie Boncheva, Jelena Momirov, Luna Ugrenovic and bow Anais Foppoli finished second in 6:51.3. Columbia, an NCAA Division I institution which was ranked No. 17 in the country in the final poll last year, won the race in 6:40.3. Florida Tech was third in 7:20.

In the Varsity 4 race, Barry’s boat of cox Stephanie Dinkel, stroke Mandy Carper, Ellen Hartman, Rebekah Kilroy and bow Lulu Mariscal came within 3.8 seconds of winner Columbia. The Buccaneers finished in 7:53.4. Columbia won in 7:49.6. Florida Tech was third in 7:56.8. All three boats were separated by 7.2 seconds.

Barry will row in the Nova Southeastern-Barry dual next Saturday in Hollywood, Fla.

Governor's Cup

Canal 54; Fellsmere, Fla.

Event #1 Women's Varsity 8+

Place Team         Split       Finish

1 COLUMBIA      06:40.3

2 BARRY               00:11.0 06:51.3

3 FIT       00:39.7 07:20.0

Event #2 Women's Varsity 4+

Place Team         Split       Finish

1 COLUMBIA      07:49.6

2 BARRY               00:03.8  07:53.4

3 FIT       00:07.2 07:56.8

Event #3 Women's Freshman/Novice 4+

Place Team         Split       Finish

1 COLUMBIA      08:18.2

2 FIT       01:12.0 09:30.2