The women's rowing team closed its fall season with a strong showing in Sunday's Rivanna Romp held in Charlottesville, Va.
Duke was consistent, finishing in the top-four places in all three varsity events. The pairing of Kim Bailey and Melissa Buckmiller highlighted the competition for the Blue Devils with a second-place finish in the Varsity Pair.
"This team is working harder than ever before, and it's paying off in the results," assistant coach Emily Egge said. "For them to race hard in the Eights and then come back and get after it in their second race, that's the kind of aggression we need."
Despite facing tough competition in Ohio State, Tennessee and Virginia--three traditional rowing powers--the Blue Devils were still able to finish fourth and sixth in the Varsity Eight, fourth and tenth in the Varsity Four and second, fourth, seventh and eighth in the Varsity Pair. Eight of Duke's 12 boats crossed the line in the top 10 in their event.
"We've never gone out to Virginia before and been this confident or raced this solidly," captain Sarah Miller said.
Duke's showing in the Varsity Pair was even more impressive because of its accurate steering.
"It was the pairs' first time on the course, and they steered excellent courses," Egge said. "That's part of the reason we did so well."
The coaches were pleased with the team's performance in each of the three events.
"More than anything, the entire team just came out ready to race," Egge said. "We showed a lot of team depth."
With the end of the fall season, the team heads into winter training happy with its progress, and looking to get fitter and stronger for the more important spring season.
"The team has been improving every race," Miller said. "We are in a good position to be very successful in the spring."
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