Spartans Open Spring Season with Win and Multiple Podium Finishes at Sarasota 2K
SARASOTA, Fla. – The University of Tampa rowing team opened its spring season Saturday with a strong showing at the Sarasota 2K at Nathan Benderson Park, highlighted by a victory in the collegiate women's lightweight four and several podium finishes across six events.
Tampa faced a competitive field featuring regional programs including Florida, Embry-Riddle, Rollins, Nova Southeastern, and Barry, using the regatta as its official season opener.
Collegiate Women's 2x
Tampa raced two entries in the women's double to start the day. The University of Tampa B crew of Jenna Manning and Lilli Cavanagh earned a third-place finish in 8:37.27, finishing just four seconds off the winning pace. The Tampa A entry of Kiersten Dupriest and Lily Fridl placed fifth with a time of 9:18.86.
Collegiate Women's 2-
In the women's pair, Sofia Daddona and Paige Rockwood brought home a third-place finish for the Spartans, crossing the line in 9:31.57.
Collegiate Women's Novice 8
The Spartans delivered one of their strongest performances of the afternoon in the novice eight. University of Tampa A placed second with a time of 8:17.94, pushing Florida throughout the race. The crew included Analei Frank, Danielle Eaton, Siena Webb, Chloe Reganato, Oliva Ice, Charlotte Scalora, Cadence Ely, and Lilian McElrath, with Mackenzie Walker serving as coxswain.
Collegiate Women's Lightweight 4
Tampa captured its first win of the season in commanding fashion in the lightweight four. The Spartan crew of McKenna VanOveren, Sarah Voss, Malina Wandtke, and Bliss Weiler, with Kyleigh Thorne as coxswain, claimed first place in 8:25.82, winning by nearly 25 seconds.
Collegiate Women's Novice 4
Later in the afternoon, Tampa returned to the water in the novice four. The Spartan boat of Analei Frank, Danielle Eaton, Siena Webb, and Chloe Reganato, coxed by Oliva Ice, finished fourth in 9:26.69.
Collegiate Women's Varsity 4
The Spartans closed the regatta with a third-place finish in the varsity four. Jenna Manning, Lilli Cavanagh, Rowan Shanahan, and Eve Mundok, with Katie Damico as coxswain, crossed in 8:48.81 to cap a productive opening weekend.
Up Next
The Spartans return to competition at the SIRA Championships on Saturday, March 18, hosted at Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tenn.