March 27, 2006

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. - The LMU Lightweights faced several of the top boats at the Windermere Real Estate Collegiate Crew classic this weekend at Redwood Shores. It was the first time that LMU was invited to the prestigious event and it gave the young boat a chance to race against some of the top lightweight boats in the country.

In the LMU's first race on Saturday, the Lions took on Stanford. It was a close battle until a gust of wind at the 1250 meter mark, and the Lions fell to the Cardinal by under 12 seconds. Stanford's lightweight boat finished the 2005 season ranked 5th in the nation.

"It was very exciting to open the lightweight season in such a close race against a team like Stanford," said LMU assistant coach Sara-Mai Conway.

The Lions took on Harvard in the second race of the day. The Crimson finished the 2005 season ranked 3rd. Harvard finished ahead of LMU, 7:35.9 to 8:04.9. The Lions were able to improve from their morning race and make adjustments in the afternoon.

On Sunday morning, the Lions faced their toughest challenge against Princeton who finished 2nd in the nation in 2005. It was a great opportunity to match up against one of the top teams in the nation. The Tigers defeated LMU, 6:52.15 to 7:23.79.

Overall, the Lions had a successful weekend, a great learning experience for such a young team, and a great incentive for next season when LMU hopes to field an even larger group of lightweight rowers.

The 2006 squad is a young crew of freshmen and sophomores which includes returning rowers Kathryn Maloney, Jill Austin, Jen Glassman and Larissa Meltz along with four walk-on novices, Courtney Bannerman, Lyndsay Vitort, Brooke LeJeune and Jen Woo.

All boats return to action next weekend at the San Diego Crew Classic.

- GO LIONS! -