The Wisconsin Badgers women’s rowing team kicked off their season in spectacular fashion on Oct. 5 and 6 as they secured multiple top-three finishes at two regattas. The Badgers competed at both the Milwaukee River Challenge and the Head of the Oklahoma, delivering several dominant performances and making a statement early into their season.
Saturday, Oct.5
At the Milwaukee River Challenge, the Badgers wasted no time establishing their dominance. Multiple entries in both the Women’s Open 4+ and Women’s Open 8+ resulted in Wisconsin occupying all but one podium spot across both events, showcasing the depth and strength of the team.
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma City, the Badgers took on a competitive field at the Head of the Oklahoma and excelled in all seven of their Saturday events. The standout performance of the day came from juniors Oona Zilavy and Sophia Ortega, who claimed first place in the Women’s Collegiate 2-. Their win was particularly impressive as they outpaced a top-10 lineup dominated by SEC teams.
Boat Results
Women’s Open 8+
- 1st – Silus, K. – 18:08.079
- 2nd – Chesny, A. – 18:17.470
- 3rd – Ortega, S. – 18:18.412
- 6th – Jensema, M. – 19:10.832
- 9th – Silus, K. – 20:07.907
- 15th – Oberweger, N. – 23:45.003
Women’s Open 4+
- 2nd – Ortega, S. – 19:06.388
- 3rd – Silus, K. – 19:30.771
- 4th – Jensema, M. – 19:30.906
- 5th – Quist, M. – 19:34.691
- 6th – Campbell, F. – 19:35.509
- 9th – Chesny, A. – 20:04.658
- 11th – Williams, G. – 20:21.837
Women’s Collegiate 2-
- 1st – Zilavy, O. – 16:40.1
- 9th – Moore, I. – 17:05.2
- 19th – Payne, E. – 17:42.3
- 21st – Magnus, K. – 17:47.0
- 23rd – Walker, G. – 18:01.34
- 25th – Cracraft, M. – 18:24.5
Women’s Open 2x
- 4th – Fairley, M. – 17:36.6
Women’s Collegiate 4+
- 5th – Mirzaian, C. – 16:05.7
- 10th – Cracraft, M. – 16:32.3
- 11th – Morrissey, J. – 16:33.1
Women’s Collegiate 8+ Ackerman Cup
- 2nd – Magnus, K. – 14:29.8
- 6th – Harlow, G. – 14:54.8
Women’s Collegiate 4+ 500 Grand Final
- 1st – Cracraft, M. – 1:48.6
- 4th – Mirzaian, C. – 1:53.6
Women’s Open 2x 500m Grand Final
- 3rd – Fairley, M. – 1:52.5
Women’s Open/Collegiate 8+ 500m Grand Final
- 3rd – Magnus, K. – 1:34.2
- 6th – Harlow, G. – 1:41.1
Sunday, Oct. 6
The momentum carried into Sunday’s races, where the Badgers once again delivered strong results in the Women’s Open 4+ and Women’s Collegiate 2- events. Junior rower Kylie Magnus gave a remarkable showing, contributing to Wisconsin’s continued podium sweep with standout performances in both events.
Boat Results
Women’s Open 4+
- 1st – Cracraft, M. – 15:48.0
- 2nd – Harlow, G. – 15:58.3
- 3rd – Magnus, K. – 16:15.0
Women’s Open 2-
- 1st – Magnus, K. – 17:16.6
- 2nd – Funk, K. – 17:47.7
- 3rd – Cracraft, M. – 17:55.1
- 4th – Mirzaian, C. – 18:00.1
- 5th – Schensky, J. – 18:20.2
- 6th – Mueller, A. – 18:31.4
- 7th – Springer, E. – 18:34.8
Looking Ahead
After a commanding season opener, the Badgers are set to build on their success with a scrimmage against the University of Minnesota on Oct. 12 in Minneapolis. The Gophers will present a new challenge, coming off similar early-season success at the Head of the Mississippi. The upcoming matchup will serve as a valuable opportunity for the Badgers to fine-tune their technique and continue their momentum as the season progresses.
