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Knights Finish Second at Inaugural Conference Rowing Championships

The UCF rowing team finished as runners-up at the inaugural American Athletic Conference Rowing Championship [1] Sunday on Lake Mercer. In addition to the second-place finish, four Knights were honored with all-conference honors.

The University of Louisville claimed the title, sweeping all six grand finals. The Cardinals totaled 158 points and earn an NCAA Championship berth. The Knights scored 136 points to easily out-distance third-place UConn.

UCF’s runner-up finish was boosted by a second-place finish in the varsity eight. Following the championship meet, the American Athletic Conference awards were handed out. The Knights’ Lauren Aiello and Ginni Dunlop were each chosen as first-team all-conference honorees. Meanwhile, Camille Everett and Calena Illan were named second-team all-conference.

After being seeded first in every race after the time trials, Louisville was fast out of the gate and dominated the field, winning every event on the day. The Cardinals fastest finish on the day was the varsity eight, which crossed the line in 6:36.796 to ensure the championship for the Cardinals.

Louisville also won the Grand Final in the Third Varsity Four (7:51.943), Second Varsity Four (7:33.853), Third Varsity Eight (7:06.013), Varsity Four (7:28.307), and Second Varsity Eight (6:44.430).

Final Team Scores

  1. Louisville 158 points
  2. UCF 136 points
  3. UConn 111 points
  4. Temple 109 points
  5. Rutgers 101 points
  6. Villanova 69 points
  7. SMU 52 points

All-American Athletic Conference First Team

  • Dasha Mardhanka, Louisville
  • Morgan Donham, Louisville
  • Hannah Ritter, Louisville
  • Jamie Montesano, Louisville
  • Lauren Aiello, UCF
  • Ginni Dunlop, UCF
  • Charlotte Kelley, UConn
  • Megan Boyer, Temple
  • Katie Bakaj, Rutgers
  • Lauren Woodhull, Villanova
  • Miranda Zsigmond, SMU
  • All-American Athletic Conference Second Team

  • Lucy Wilshire, Louisville
  • Andrea Zorn, Louisville
  • Elise Valantine, Louisville
  • Camille Everett, UCF
  • Calena Illan, UCF
  • Natalie Carlone, UConn
  • Erin Mounce, UConn
  • Jacqueline Lees, Temple
  • Ali Watkins, Temple
  • Stepanie Ford, Rutgers
  • Kelly O’Coner, Villanova