Raleigh, N.C. -- Gonzaga kicked off the 2025 Lake Wheeler Invitational on Friday morning with determined efforts across all four boat classes in Round 1, facing off against some of the top collegiate rowing programs in the country.
The Varsity 8 boat had an impressive showing in both races today. Their best race of the day was in the afternoon where the V8 capped off Round 2 with another strong showing, claiming second place in 6:40.447. Clemson led the field at 6:38.163, but the Zags were within reach and firmly ahead of the trailing boats.
In their morning competition, the V8 had a thrilling race where Gonzaga was competitive throughout the entire race. Finishing in 6:34.938, the Zags missed third place by merely 0.018 seconds to Miami in a photo finish. Virginia led the field, claiming victory in 6:23.450.
In the Second Varsity Four (2V4), Gonzaga began their day in a tightly contested heat, ultimately placing fourth with a time of 7:48.033. The crew fought hard against a fast field led by Virginia, who took the win in 7:28.403.
Shortly after, the Varsity Four (V4) delivered a solid performance, crossing the line in third place at 7:30.494. The Bulldogs held strong in the middle of the pack, finishing behind Columbia and Virginia, who traded early leads before Columbia secured the top spot in 7:21.208.
The Second Varsity Eight (2V8) followed with a competitive fourth-place finish in their heat. Gonzaga clocked in at 6:50.240 in a race won decisively by Virginia, who posted a time of 6:32.324. Despite falling just shy of the top three, the Zags remained within striking distance of Miami and Columbia in the middle of the field.
After a short break and a chance to regroup, Gonzaga returned to the water for Round 2 on Friday afternoon.
The 2V4 rebounded strongly, taking second place in their next heat with a time of 7:42.478, trailing only Clemson (7:31.160) in a race that demonstrated the boat's ability to bounce back with poise and precision.
In the V4, Gonzaga again finished third, putting down a time of 7:34.385 in a heat that saw Clemson pull away early to win in 7:23.789. The Zags held off a late push from Louisville and Boston College to secure the third spot.
The 2V8 had one of Gonzaga's most impressive performances of the day, racing to a second-place finish with a time of 6:47.292—just 2.66 seconds behind Clemson.
The Zags continue the regatta tomorrow morning in North Carolina. All results and live streaming information can be found at GoZags.com.
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