The Wisconsin Badgers women’s rowing team kicked off their spring season on March 15 and 16 at the Cardinal Invitational in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, racing against a competitive field on Melton Hill Lake. Facing national powerhouses and challenging weather conditions, the Badgers tested their pre-season condition in their first races since returning from a January training trip to Florida.
Weather disrupts day one, but Badgers push through
Storms on March 15 forced the cancellation of the first wave of races, but Wisconsin lined up against No. 15 Indiana and No. 19 Alabama later in the day. The Badgers secured third-place finishes in all four races, using the opportunity to shake off winter rust and gain valuable racing experience after months of indoor training.
Strong finishes on Sunday
March 16 brought calmer weather and stronger results. The first varsity four led the way, taking second behind No. 18 Notre Dame and ahead of Navy, finishing with a time of 7:27.41. Wisconsin’s third varsity eight/novice eight also earned a runner-up finish, while the first varsity eight placed behind Notre Dame and Navy. The second varsity eight did not race on March 16.
Up next
Wisconsin returns to action at the Big Ten Invitational in Sarasota, Florida on April 18 and 19, where they’ll look to build on early momentum against conference foes and nationally ranked squads.
Boat Results
March 15
First Varsity Eight
- 3rd – Clements, N. – 6:39.740
Second Varsity Eight
- 3rd – Hefner, E. – 6:51.888
Third Varsity Eight/Novice Eight
- 3rd – Bauer, A. – 7:12.398
First Varsity Four
- 3rd – Powell, C. – 7:18.067
March 16
First Varsity Eight
- 3rd – Hefner, E. – 6:42.853
Third Varsity Eight/Novice Eight
- 2nd – Bauer, A. – 7:13.755
First Varsity Four
- 2nd – Powell, C. – 7:27.410
