The Syracuse women’s rowing team, ranked No. 10, competed in the Wolverine Double Dual in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday. They faced No. 16 Ohio State in the morning and swept them, winning all five races.
The Varsity 8 kicked things off with a strong performance, finishing at 6:19.1, three seconds ahead of Ohio State. The 2V8 followed suit, dominating with a time of 6:27.2, leaving the Buckeyes behind at 6:39.8. The V4 continued the success, crossing the finish line at 7:09.5, just ahead of Ohio State’s 7:13.9. The 2V4 secured yet another win with a time of 7:17.6, nearly ten seconds quicker than their rivals. The 3V8 completed the morning sweep, finishing at 6:41.1, seven seconds ahead of Ohio State.
In the afternoon, Syracuse remained strong against the Wolverines. The V8 earned another victory at 6:19.4. The 2V8 had a close match but pulled ahead with a time of 6:22.7, just over a second faster than Michigan. However, the V4 faced a setback, finishing at 7:22.6, while Michigan took the win at 7:16.1. The 2V4 ended with a close finish, recording a time of 7:22.3, just shy of the Wolverines. Finally, the 3V8 wrapped up the day with a nail-biting win, finishing at 6:46.6, a mere 0.3 seconds ahead of Michigan.
Looking ahead, Syracuse’s next competition will be the ACC Championships in Raleigh, North Carolina, at Lake Wheeler on May 15 and 16.
This performance reflects not just the talent within Syracuse’s team but also highlights a growing trend in women’s sports. According to a recent survey by the Women’s Sports Foundation, participation in women’s sports has increased steadily over the past decade. Events like the Wolverine Double Dual showcase the level of competition and interest that is increasingly evident.
As women’s collegiate sports gain more visibility, experts believe that this can lead to greater support and funding opportunities, which are essential for future athletes. Engaging young girls in sports not only promotes fitness but empowers them in various aspects of life.
For more insights on women’s sports trends, check out the Women’s Sports Foundation’s reports here.
