On Saturday, it was 32 degrees with light freezing rain in Ann Arbor, expected for the first week of March. But, at the same time in Tampa, Fla, it was 74 degrees and slightly cloudy.

While Ann Arbor might have to wait another month and a half before it can even think about the likes of that weather showing up, the Michigan women’s rowing team went down to Tampa and its far warmer climate to begin training for its upcoming spring season. And most assuredly, the team has been enjoying the change of weather.

“After the winter we’ve been having up in Michigan, to get down here, it’s been great weather,” Michigan coach Mark Rothstein said. “It’s been really warm and nice.”

It’s been about four months since the team last competed outdoors, with its last outing being at the non-scoring Belleville Classic against the Michigan men’s club rowing team on Nov. 12.

The Wolverines trained throughout the week, which culminated in a non-scoring meet against Miami (Fla.) on Saturday. Though this was only a scrimmage, Michigan came out in full force, as the Wolverines’ top boat won each of the five pieces on the day. Michigan competed with three varsity boats and two novice boats, while the Hurricanes came out with one varsity boat and one novice boat.

The Wolverine’s novice team had a stellar day too, as they won each of its five pieces, finishing first and second place in each of them.

The meet against Miami was a final prepping before the spring rowing season picks up steam, as Michigan is set to take on arch-rival Ohio State in Columbus for a dual meet on March 26.

“Anytime you race Ohio State you want to win,” Rothstein said. “It’s a great rivalry in all sports with Ohio State … It’s an opportunity to get the season started in the right way and also to race a very competitive program, so we’re very excited.”

Michigan was the lone Big Ten school to start its spring season this past week while the remaining schools will start in the upcoming weeks.

Though Michigan has a long season ahead, Rothstein has already labeled the NCAA Championships a high priority for the Wolverines.

“That’s certainly an expectation that we have,” Rothstein said. “If we continue to prepare the way that we’re preparing and we race with great passion and competitive spirit, I think that’s going to happen. We’ve got a long season and a lot of goals and certainly I think every year there is an expectation to be in NCAAs.”

Rothstein’s teams have had a reputation for success in recent years — placing first or second in the Big Ten six times since the 2000 season — and have finished in the top-10 for NCAAs eight times since then as well.