March 5, 2008

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Complete Results

CLEMSON, S.C. - Michigan State rowing hit the water Wednesday morning for races at Clemson, as the varsity eight, second varsity eight, varsity four and novice eight crews battled the Tigers in three 1,500-meter flights. . MSU's top varsity four swept its three flights, while the second varsity eight won two of three heats.

"We learned a great deal about the teams today," said head coach Matt Weise. "We can really play into our team's strengths and build momentum from that. The crews are unified and strong, and we need to exercise those strengths over emphasizing perfect technique."

In the varsity four races, the Spartans first boat of Stephanie Bochenek, Kellie Lapointe, Megan Kursik, Victoria Woodward and coxswain Allison Duffy swept all three heats, posting times of 5:41.0, 5:39.7 and 5:42.9. MSU's second four (Alexandra Maibusch, Clare VanDen Berge, Julie Ward, Emily Huddleston and Amanda Ruhno at coxswain) placed second and third in heats two (5.46.1) and three (5.54.3).

"Our first varsity four boat did exactly what we asked them to do and performed very well from the get-go. From the boats, we were looking for rhythm and length, and we saw that more from the second four boat in the second and third heats. They improved and executed well," said Weise.

The second varsity was coxed by Tamara Yantovsky and the crew, Catie Tyzo, Danica Bevan, Kate Taylor, Sarah Kreft, Amanda Dunnill, Lauren Gamble, Ashley Wenneman and Nancy Diehl, crossed the finish of the first heat in 6:00.8, defeating the Tigers by one second. Clemson claimed the second race by three seconds, but MSU regrouped and picked up another win in the final flight, posting a 5:17.0 against Clemson's 5:23.8.

The varsity eight's best time in three heats was 4:57.2, in the first flight; Clemson's 4.50.2 in the first heat was the fastest time of the day. MSU recorded 5:07.3 and 5:09.1 in its second and third heats, respectively.

"Clemson has a good first boat and have been on the water for four weeks, as opposed to our four days," Weise said.

The novice boats rowed last, and Clemson's novice eight defeated the Spartans in each flight. Michigan State's second novice eight boats also competed against the first varsity eights, posting times of 6:03.3, 6:13.2, 6:13.5.

"Overall, it was a good start. And at the beginning of the season, we are trying to figure out how they race and what works. We'll build successful strategies, and this was a good start," Weise said.

The Spartans will continue spring break action Saturday, March 8 when they take on Virginia Cavaliers in Marion, Va.