CHERRY HILL, N.J. – No. 1 Central Oklahoma proved the rankings have it right this weekend with two big wins at the prestigious Knecht Cup Regatta.
After Saturday's racing was postponed due to weather, the heat sheets were shuffled to funnel all the Division II schools together, the Bronchos returned Sunday morning ready to prove their worth.
And they did.
UCO won the Varsity 4+ race in 8:07.48, one second in front of Embry-Riddle (8:08.88). Seattle Pacific, Barry and Mercyhurst rounded out the field of five boats.
Just a short time later, the Broncho eights were on the water and looking to do the same.
And they did.
Central Oklahoma won the Varsity 8+ title with a time of 6:59.67, six seconds in front of Mercyhurst (7:05.98). Embry-Riddle, Seattle Pacific, Thomas Jefferson, and Barry rounded out the six-boat field.
"Today was a good step forward for our team," second-year head rowing coach Jen Gilbert said. "We still have plenty of work to do and things just get harder from here. Our focus remains the GNAC Championships and working to earn an NCAA qualification.
"Racing is tight between all teams. The whole level of Division II women's rowing is stepping up and we are excited to be a part of that."
Central Oklahoma has one more regular season race day on its schedule, meeting OU on the Oklahoma River in three weeks. The Bronchos will then travel to Sacramento, California for the 2024 GNAC Championships – which UCO won in 2021 and 2023. The 2024 NCAA Division II Women's Rowing Championships are scheduled for May 31 – June 1 in Bethel, Ohio.
