USC
Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan State
USC's Varsity Eight Defeats Ohio State and Michigan
April 08, 2006 | Women's Rowing
Columbus, Ohio-The fourth-ranked Trojans took on fifth-ranked Ohio State and 10th-ranked Michigan in two dual meets Saturday, April 8, on the Greggs Reservoir in Columbus, Ohio. USC's Varsity Eight boat was victorious in both of its races, defeating the Buckeyes by less than a second with a time of 6:23.40 and overcoming the Wolverines by almost two seconds after clocking a 6:21.40 for the afternoon. This was a crucial race for the Women of Troy who came out on top despite tough conditions with temperatures in the high 30's and winds of 15 to 25 mph.
"It's a great feeling to be up on other boats and even better that we planned it," said junior four seat Anna Efremova.
The Varsity Eight showed just how much it has improved and come together over the past year by defeating Ohio State after losing to them last year by almost six seconds. Even though the times were close, the Trojans got out in front right off the line and remained in control for the entire race despite multiple attacks by the Buckeyes. The fourth place ranking the Trojans earned on April 5 is the highest ranking they have received since Zenon and Kelly Babraj began coaching at USC in 2002.
"This was a very important day in the development of this young crew's self-confidence," said head coach Zenon Babraj. "Under difficult conditions, with very high-level opponents they showed focus and ability to execute their race strategy."
The Women of Troy were not as successful in their other three boats. The Trojans fell in both races to Ohio State and Michigan in the Varsity Four and JV Eight. Even though the JV Eight did not come out on top, they had a solid race in the morning against Ohio State but they were overpowered by a stronger and more experienced crew. In the afternoon the JV Eight came out strong, leading the first half of the race against the Wolverines, but fell behind when conditions became harsher in the last 500 meters.
The next time the Trojans take to the water will be at home on Saturday, April 29, when they take on cross-town rival UCLA for crucial Lexus Gauntlet points. USC has conquered the Bruins in every meeting since 2002 when the Gauntlet challenge began.
Results
Morning Session
Second Varsity Four1. Ohio State 7:34.202. Tennessee 7:46.923. USC 7:51.38
First Varsity Four1. Ohio State 7:28.502. USC 7:44.06
JV Eight1. Ohio State 6:31.302. USC 6:39.32
Varsity Eight1.USC 6:23.402.Ohio State 6:23.93
Afternoon Session
Second Varsity Four1. Ohio State 7:28.402. Tennessee 7:38.983. USC 7:41.32
Varsity Four1. Michigan 7:37.402. USC 7:47.69
JV Eight1. Michigan 6:29.202. USC 6:31.90
Varsity Eight1. USC 6:21.402. Michigan 6:23.24
