May 15, 2009- The UCLA novice 8 crabbed in the 3rd 500 meters of the race allowing San Diego to take a commanding lead and UC-Irvine to overtake them. The Bruins were able to regroup and made a solid push in the last 500 meters to retake second place from UC-Irvine. “I was very pleased with the way they fought back after the mishap,” said Coach Hermann.

UC-Irvine won the second novice 8 race by 5 seconds over UCLA.

The races were shortened due to a very low tide. The two frosh/novice races were 1750m and the two varsity races were 1900m.

The Bruin second varsity had a great start but was unable to match UC-Irvine and San Diego’s pace fueled by their 35-36 stroke rate. UC-Irvine won, 5:54.24, followed by USD, 5:57.24 and UCLA, 6:03.78.

The UCLA varsity had the same challenge as USD over stroked and powered their way ahead of the Bruins to an open water victory with UC-Irvine placing third. “We were unable to match San Diego’s base rate and speed today, said Coach Mokha. We will have to be ready next time we see them at the Crew Classic.”

The Bruins begin spring break training next week and finish at the Pac-10 Challenge March 28-29 in Redwood Shore, Ca. where the Bruins will face UC-San Diego, Northeastern and Gonzaga in a series of duels.