SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Gonzaga University women's rowing Novice 8+ is one step closer to its quest to win its eighth Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) Championship gold in nine years after winning its opening heat race Saturday.

The Bulldogs, rowing on Lake Natoma at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, easily captured their heat win Saturday, closing out the 2,000-meter course in 7:08.4 - nearly 28 seconds ahead of their closest competitor. The University of Oregon claimed second in 7:36.7.

Gonzaga novice coach Kari Durgan was extremely happy with her squad's performance.

"The novice squad did exactly what they set out to do when they launched, which was row well and demonstrate their capabilities," stated Durgan. "I was especially glad that they bounced back well after a rough practice yesterday afternoon. I couldn't have asked for a better start to the weekend."

The Zags now focus their attention on the Grand Final Sunday. The race is set for 10:10 a.m.

"The athletes are excited to race tomorrow and continue making improvements in their race," explained Durgan. "They are happy and focused on accomplishing their goals one race at a time."

Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) Championships
Lake Natoma - Sacramento Aquatic Center

Novice 8+ Heat 1
1. Gonzaga, 7:08.4
2. Oregon, 7:36.7
3. UC San Diego, 7:38.7
4. Portland, 7:39.7
5. UC Davis, 7:55.5