BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Western Washington University women’s rowing team is the new No. 1 team in the USRowing / Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Division II Rowing Poll, presented by Pocock Racing Shells.
The Vikings moved up from their No. 3 preseason position to top the Division II poll after dominating six wins in six races at the Pacific Lutheran University Invitational on American Lake in Lakewood, Wash. The Florida Institute of Technology (one first-place vote) moved up from No. 7 to No. 2 and the University of California, San Diego (one first-place vote) is No. 3. University of Central Oklahoma (No. 4) and Humboldt State (5th) rounds out the top 5.
Western heads to the prestigious San Diego Crew Classic this weekend (April 1-2), with entries in the Women’s Collegiate Varsity 8+ (DII/DIII/Club) and the Women’s Collegiate Varsity 4+ (DII/DIII/Club).
Rank Team (First Place Votes) Votes
1. Western Washington (3) 159
2. Florida Institute of Technology (1) 152
3. UC San Diego (1) 139
4. Central Oklahoma 125
5. Humboldt State 116
6. Barry 99
7. Nova Southeastern 71
8. Mercyhurst 29
WWU is the seven-time NCAA II National Champion (2005-2011) and national runner-up three times dating back to the inaugural Division II regatta in 2002. The Vikings finished 3rd at last year’s NCAA II Championships. The 2017 NCAA Rowing National Championships for all divisions will be held May 26-28 on Lake Mercer in West Windsor, New Jersey.
(WWU Vikings)