Virginia Dominates at B1G-ACC Dual: Five Victories to Kick Off the Season
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No. 13 Virginia rowing team propelled themselves into the new season with an electrifying performance at the B1G-ACC Dual, clinching **five impressive wins** on Saturday, March 29, at Griggs Reservoir in Columbus, Ohio. This season opener not only showcased the teams' competitive spirit but also highlighted their readiness to take on some of the best in collegiate rowing.
A Showdown of Powerhouses
In a thrilling morning session, **six Virginia crews**—including the Varsity Four, Second Varsity Four, Third Varsity Four, Varsity Eight, Second Varsity Eight, and Third Varsity Eight—faced off against the formidable No. 14 Ohio State Buckeyes. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, the Cavaliers also battled the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines later in the afternoon.
Excellence in the Water: Standout Performances
The standout crew of the day was undoubtedly **UVA's Second Varsity Eight**, featuring a talented lineup including coxswain Chloe Lee and her teammates Sky Dahl, Elsa Hartman, Helene Dimitrijev, Teagan Orth, Aidan Wrenn-Walz, Riley Richardson, Kate McGee, and Lila Henn. This dynamic group demonstrated their superiority with not one, but two impressive victories, triumphing over Ohio State with a time of **6:50.9 to 7:03.2** and defeating Michigan with **7:06.9 to 7:14.8**.
Additionally, the Cavaliers celebrated wins in both the **Varsity Four** (7:58.0 – 8:05.4) and **Second Varsity Four** (8:00.3 – 8:13.2) events against Ohio State. However, the Buckeyes claimed tight victories in both the Varsity Eight (6:44.5 – 6:46.4) and Third Varsity Eight (3:34.3 – 3:41.8) heats, showcasing the competitive edge of both programs.
Closing Strong Against Michigan
Virginia capped their day with a **brilliant performance** in the Varsity Eight event against Michigan, where they asserted their dominance with a final time of **6:59.8 to 7:04.8**. This closing win provided a perfect punctuation to a remarkable dual that tested their skills against ranked competition.
Head coach **Wesley Ng** expressed satisfaction with his team's performance: “Today’s races were hard-fought against Ohio State and Michigan. Our programmatic depth and skill were challenged in every 2k, and as a **season opener** it was incredibly valuable. Winning four out of six opportunities against top-tier teams is an encouraging start. The 2V crew showed maturity with impressive open-water wins, and the 1V dramatically rebounded in the afternoon. I’m proud of their resilience.”
Challenges Ahead
While they celebrated significant victories, the Cavaliers faced defeats in several events against Michigan, including the Third Varsity Eight (7:31.6 – 7:44.9), Third Varsity Four (8:18.7 – 8:44.4), Second Varsity Four (8:02.2 – 8:10.0), and Varsity Four (8:01.9 – 8:12.0). Despite these challenges, Virginia's spirit and capacity to grow remain robust moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Competitions
Next, the Cavalier squad shifts their focus to the **Redwood Shores Regatta** in California, scheduled for April 12-13, where they will face off against powerhouse teams, including **No. 2 Stanford** on April 12 and **No. 8 Cal** on April 13. These races will be pivotal as Virginia continues to strive for excellence in the 2023 season.
Final Race Results
Virginia vs. Ohio State:
3V8: 1. Ohio State, 3:34.3; 2. Virginia, 3:41.8
3V4: 1. Ohio State, 8:03.5; 2. Ohio State 4V4, 8:10.5; 3. Virginia 8:16.5
2V4: 1. Virginia, 8:00.3; 2. Ohio State, 8:13.2
V4: 1. Virginia, 7:58.0; 2. Ohio State, 8:05.4
2V8: 1. Virginia, 6:50.9; 2. Ohio State, 7:03.2
V8: 1. Ohio State, 6:44.5; 2. Virginia, 6:46.4
Virginia vs. Michigan:
3V8: 1. Michigan, 7:31.6; 2. Virginia, 7:44.8
3V4: 1. Michigan, 8:18.7; 2. Virginia, 8:44.4
2V4: 1. Michigan, 8:02.2; 2. Virginia, 8:10.0
V4: 1. Michigan, 8:01.9; 2. Virginia, 8:12.0
2V8: 1. Virginia, 7:06.9; 2. Michigan, 7:14.8
V8: 1. Virginia, 6:59.8; 2. Michigan, 7:04.8
The Virginia Lineups
Varsity Eight: Coxswain: Brianna Joe*, Stroke: Kennedy Housley, 7: Meagan Goldsmith, 6: Jenna Hajji, 5: Sheila Joyce, 4: Flynn Greene, 3: Paige Loh, 2: Sophia Coppola, Bow: Skylar Morrison
Second Varsity Eight: Coxswain: Chloe Lee, Stroke: Sky Dahl, 7: Elsa Hartman, 6: Helene Dimitrijev, 5: Teagan Orth, 4: Aidan Wrenn-Walz, 3: Riley Richardson, 2: Kate McGee, Bow: Lila Henn*
Varsity Four: Coxswain: Ashlynn McGinn, Stroke: Emeline Daley, 3: Savannah Fox*, 2: Ayla O’Neil; Bow: Hannah Hill
Second Varsity Four: Coxswain: Samara Coakley, Stroke: Dylan Bentley*, 3: Lindsay O’Neil, 2: Alyssa Fikkers; Bow: Claudia Kerry-Roger
Third Varsity Four: Coxswain: Shelby Bavin*, Stroke: Abby Grace McGowan, 3: Anna Schrieber, 2: Katherine Jennings; Bow: Skylar Gash
Third Varsity Eight vs. Ohio State: Coxswain: Avery Carlson, Stroke: Hannah Guy*, 7: Ryleigh Katstra, 6: Katie Rapaglia, 5: Sarah Rapaglia, 4: Sophie Gallagher, 3: Elena Bloom, 2: Gabrielle Fenwick, Bow: Olivia Morin
Third Varsity Eight vs. Michigan: Coxswain: Avery Carlson, Stroke: Hannah Guy*, 7: Ryleigh Katstra, 6: Katie Rapaglia, 5: Sarah Rapaglia, 4: Sophie Gallagher, 3: Claire Lingle, 2: Maggie Warren, Bow: Paige Lane
*Denotes boat captain
