University of North Carolina Athletics
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San Diego St
Carolina Rowing Off To Hot Start In California
March 11, 2000 | Women's Rowing
March 11, 2000
The University of North Carolina rowing team opened a week of competition in California with a successful day of racing Saturday against San Diego State.
On Mission Bay, the UNC varsity eight started strong through the first 1,000 meters and was able to withstand a challenge by San Diego State in the final 500 meters to win by a boat-length. Carolina's time was 6:38 to San Diego State's 6:41.
Racing in rough water, the second varsity eight fought back from a deficit of four seats to pull out to an open-water win in a time of 6:47 to San Diego State's 6:51.
"It was fantastic racing by both boats," Carolina coach Joel Furtek said.
The novice eight race was San Diego State's lone win of the day, with a time of 7:02 to UNC's 7:15. "Our novices really got some good experience," Furtek said. "It was their first 2,000-meter race ever and now that they've got one under their belts, they'll be ready to race tomorrow."
Following Saturday's races, the Tar Heels headed north to Los Angeles, where they will face Southern California on Sunday at the Port of Los Angeles. USC's varsity eight ranked fourth in the preseason coaches' poll, while San Diego State was 24th and UNC 26th.
