Results

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's rowing team raced for the first time this fall on Sunday, competing against top crews from around the Pacific Northwest at the University of Washington's Head of the Lake. 
 
"I'm very pleased with our team today. We have been very development-focused this fall, and it's been a lot of fun to see this novice group come together, bring a fun, determined energy to the squad, and start to learn how to race," said Head Coach Matt Oclander.
 
"The grading rubric for this regatta went beyond the stopwatch, and while we still have work to do on that front, I'm seeing solid foundations of teamwork, positive energy, and a growth mindset being set by this year's team. It's always such a joy to be surrounded by our incredible PNW rowing community and have a chance to race against some incredible DI, DII, and top Canadian programs."
 
The Lutes' varsity four boat finished fifth overall at the Jan Harville Cup, completing the three-mile race at the Montlake Cut in 22 minutes, 49.553 seconds, trailing the University of California's lightweight crew by just under three seconds. The Lutes enjoyed a 20-second gap on Northwest Conference rival Pacific University (23:09.096) and also finished ahead of the B crew from Division II Seattle Pacific University (24:13.168). Host Washington won the Jan Harville Cup with the Huskies finishing in 20:05.798.  

Crewing the varsity four was Tate Trahan, Riah Heil, Kat Judd, Makayla Hall, and coxswain Louisa Compton. 
 
PLU's third varsity eight finished seventh in its heat against an international field, navigating the course in 24 minutes, 20.623 seconds, finishing just over 10 seconds shy of sixth-place University of British Columbia. University of Victoria won the race in 19:24.538 with Washington State University finishing runner-up in 19:40.317. 
 
"Today was a great day to practice how we approach racing and interact with our competitors. I saw a lot of positivity and tenacity which I am excited to build on through the rest of the season and into spring," said Sylvie Manz
 
Manz was coxswain for the 3V8+ with a crew of Tlalli Ruiz, Kate Dery, Bethany Rinas, Sareena Dhaliwal, Nina Sakumoto, Addie Strode, Mackenzie Poppe, and Abby Andrews. 
 
Sunday's race was the first collegiate race for both Sakumoto and Strode. 
 
The Lutes race one more time this month, hosting the PLU Fall Fixture on Nov. 14 on American Lake.