Women's Rowing 3/22/2019 9:26:00 PM Chris Brannick

Broncho Rowing Wraps Up Spring Training

GAINSEVILLE, Fla. – The University of Central Oklahoma rowing team raced for the first time this spring Friday to wrap up a week of Spring Training in Florida.

The Bronchos finished second in the Varsity 8+ and fourth in the second V8.

"We had some positives, finishing very well at the end of spring break," UCO head coach Montia Rice said. "Conditions weren't like we had hoped, especially for the 2V8+ and the collision they had with UCONN. The 1V8+ came out and did exactly what they were supposed to do by handling the windy conditions, really compete with some established D1 crews, and finish the week strong.

"This whole week really let us establish a good start to the season and we can't wait to see how everyone does this upcoming weekend at home with Central Sprints."

UCO's 2V8 got off to a great start in the race before a collision with Connecticut stalled the Bronchos and forced a fourth-place finish. UCONN caught a crab around 750 meters and steered right into UCO's boat, forcing a bit of lag time for the Bronchos.

The boat, led by coxswain Maddie O'Brien, had a strong showing before the collision.

In the V8, Central held well with Central Florida. The top Broncho boat, led by Madisyn Kitchell, had a strong race and finished in 6:48.20, just eight seconds behind UCF. The Bronchos edged UCONN in the race by 10 seconds and Jacksonville by 16 seconds.

Central Oklahoma will officially open the 2019 racing season with the biggest race in program history next Friday night. UCO is hosting the Central Sprints, which features the top teams in the country descending upon the Oklahoma River in Downtown OKC.

UC San Diego, Humboldt State, Jefferson, Rollins, Western Washington, and Nova Southeastern will all be in Oklahoma City for the races, which begin Friday evening. The field features half of the NCAA Division II Top 8 and 12 of the past 14 national champions.

Broncho lineups:
V8: Kitchell (c), Kiele Erickson, Laura Francis, Megan Dwarshuis, Shelby Wackerly, Eileen Anderson, Erica Mitchell, Cameron Blunk, Siobhan Quirke
2V8: O'Brien (c), Savanna Hammonds, Bailee Thomas, Allison Staley, Ali Nakvinda, Grace Hutchingson, Lauren Wall, Dorothy Lyman, Carly Koons

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Players Mentioned

Cameron Blunk: 5' 7"; Sophomore; Varsity

Megan Dwarshuis: 5' 10"; Junior; Varsity

Kiele Erickson: 5' 8"; Junior; Varsity

Savanna Hammonds: 5' 6"; Junior; Varsity

Grace Hutchingson: 5' 10"; Junior; Varsity

Madisyn Kitchell: 5' 6"; Junior; Varsity

Carly Koons: 5' 10"; Senior; Varsity

Dorothy Lyman: 5' 5"; Sophomore; Varsity

Erica Mitchell: 6' 1"; Senior; Varsity

Ali Nakvinda: 5' 8"; Senior; Varsity

Players Mentioned

Cameron Blunk
: 5' 7"; Sophomore; Varsity

Megan Dwarshuis
: 5' 10"; Junior; Varsity

Kiele Erickson
: 5' 8"; Junior; Varsity

Savanna Hammonds
: 5' 6"; Junior; Varsity

Grace Hutchingson
: 5' 10"; Junior; Varsity

Madisyn Kitchell
: 5' 6"; Junior; Varsity

Carly Koons
: 5' 10"; Senior; Varsity

Dorothy Lyman
: 5' 5"; Sophomore; Varsity

Erica Mitchell
: 6' 1"; Senior; Varsity

Ali Nakvinda
: 5' 8"; Senior; Varsity