The No. 2 ranked Western Washington University (WWU) women's rowing team triumphed at the Viking Invitational, winning 4 out of 5 races against the University of Puget Sound. This event showcased WWU's prowess on the newly designed 2,000-meter course at Lake Samish, providing an excellent viewing experience for fans. Top performances included a decisive win by the Varsity 8+ crew, clocking in at 6:52.34, significantly ahead of UPS. Coach Courtney Moeller expressed excitement for future events, emphasizing the importance of this competition as the team gears up for the WIRA Championships.

By the Numbers
  • WWU Varsity 8+ finished with a time of 6:52.34, while UPS recorded 7:03.54.
  • WWU’s 2nd Varsity 8+ completed their race in 7:34.38, beating UPS (7:43.77).
  • WWU won the DII V4+/Novice 4+ with a time of 8:06.19.
  • In the Varsity 4+, WWU clocked 8:02.37, outperforming UPS (8:37.50).
State of Play
  • WWU led in performances across all key categories, showcasing depth and skill.
  • The new bridge on Lake Samish enhanced the racing environment, offering better sightlines for fans.
What's Next

WWU prepares for the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) Championships set for April 25-26. The team aims to leverage their momentum from this successful home event to excel in California.

Bottom Line

WWU's performance at the Viking Invitational underscores its status as a premier collegiate rowing program, highlighting not just immediate success, but also the foundation for anticipated future victories at the WIRA Championships.