University of Minnesota Athletics Department

The Golden Gophers Shine at the Inaugural Rocky Top Invitational

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – The Golden Gophers rowing team made a spectacular splash at the inaugural Rocky Top Invitational, hosted by the fifth-ranked Lady Vols of Tennessee. On a weekend filled with fierce competition, Minnesota clinched a commendable second place, showcasing exceptional skill and determination across all four boats in their final races.

A Day of Competition and Improvement

The excitement in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was palpable as the Golden Gophers improved their racing times from Friday’s heats to Saturday’s finals. Facing off against formidable opponents like No. 20 North Carolina and Clemson, as well as battling it out against Duke, Minnesota’s performance was nothing short of impressive.

Key highlights from Saturday’s races included:

Final Race Results:

1V8 Final 1

• 1. Tennessee – 6:20.714
• 1. UCF – 6:29.280
• 1. Duke – 6:43.635

1V8 Final 2

• 1. North Carolina – 6:38.687
• 2. Minnesota – 6:39.881
• 1. Clemson – 6:46.767

2V8 Final 1

• 1. Tennessee – 6:34.506
• 1. Duke – 6:39.509
• 1. UCF – 6:41.412

2V8 Final 2

• 1. Clemson – 6:50.666
• 2. Minnesota – 6:56.339
• 1. North Carolina – 6:57.063

1V4 Final 1

• 1. Tennessee – 7:25.987
• 1. Duke – 7:28.994
• 1. UCF – 7:31.346

1V4 Final 2

• 1. North Carolina – 7:34.108
• 2. Minnesota – 7:36.940
• 1. Clemson – 7:41.719

2V4 Final 1

• 1. Tennessee – 7:34.636
• 1. UCF – 7:39.798
• 1. North Carolina – 7:40.642

2V4 Final 2

• 1. Duke – 7:40.767
• 2. Minnesota – 7:46.144
• 1. Clemson – 7:55.432

Meet the Athletes: Minnesota’s Lineup

1V8 Crew

• Coxswain: Ashley Ohlemacher
• Madeline Fincham
• Ella Saunders
• Tallulah Sweet
• Lexi Schimnowski
• Josefine Freltoft
• Emilie Rish
• Morgan Zahner
• Manon Field

2V8 Crew

• Coxswain: Radhika Ajmera
• Kat Johanns
• Nena Papaterpou
• Peyton Miller
• Katy Isackson-Papp
• Martyna Rzeznik
• Paige Keller
• Kimberly Klassen
• Anna Stephenson

1V4 Crew

• Coxswain: Misha Shah
• Jaden Deutscher
• Nuala Macfarlane
• Sophia Pirigyi
• Emily Franke

2V4 Crew

• Coxswain: Annika Maiorino
• Viktoria Lapikof
• Abby Schroeder
• Haley Campain
• Nathalie Müller

What’s Next for the Gophers?

The Golden Gophers are gearing up for their next challenge as they head to Kansas City, Kan., for the Big 12/Big Ten Double Duel on April 11-12. The team’s grit and teamwork will be put to the test as they go against San Diego on Friday and take on Kansas on Saturday at the picturesque Wyandotte County Lake.

Stay tuned as the Gophers aim to build on their solid performance and continue their journey toward rowing excellence!

For more information and updates on the Golden Gophers, visit the official athletics site.