OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — The Lady Vols’ first varsity eight boat triumphed over Texas in a thrilling finish, clinching the SEC Championship. This victory marks the first SEC title for Tennessee rowing and their first conference championship win since 2013.
Head coach Kim Cupini expressed her pride in the team’s performance, especially against Texas, the top-ranked crew. “To see the varsity eight clinch like that was awesome,” she said, praising the team’s collective effort to gather enough points for the championship.
The competition was tight, with Tennessee edging Texas 79-75 after a series of races. The Lady Vols secured four wins overall, including victories in the 2V4, 3V8, and 3V4 events.
In the 1V8 race, the Tennessee crew finished with a time of 6:06.939, holding off a late challenge from Texas. This victory continues a strong streak for the 1V8 crew, having won every race since the Rocky Top Invite, now besting eight ranked opponents this season. Notably, this win handed Texas its first loss of the year.
Tennessee’s second varsity four team made an impressive comeback to win their race, which set an encouraging tone for the day. Cupini noted how significant it was for the crew to race from behind and still claim victory, especially since they had just formed as a group.
Tennessee also dominated the third varsity events, with both the 3V8 and 3V4 securing convincing wins against top rivals, including Texas and Alabama. The 3V8 crew crossed the line almost eight seconds ahead of Texas, highlighting their strength throughout the competition.
Despite finishing behind Texas in the 1V4 and 2V8 races, the overall performance solidified Tennessee’s place in this championship battle.
Looking ahead, the Lady Vols gear up for the NCAA Championships on May 29-31 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Ga. Fans will eagerly await the NCAA Division I Women’s Rowing Selection Show for updates on their seeding.
Team Standings
- Tennessee: 79 points
- Texas: 75 points
- Alabama: 34 points
- Oklahoma: 32 points
In recent trends, collegiate rowing has gained popularity on social media, with fans sharing videos and celebrating local teams. As the sport continues to grow, participation at the NCAA level has increased significantly, reflecting a more robust interest in rowing among students.
For more information on NCAA rowing and upcoming events, visit NCAA.com.
