The No. 4 Michigan women’s crew team traveled to Scioto
River on Saturday and faced stiff competition against No.1 Ohio
State. Though Michigan lost five out of six races against the
Buckeyes, it still benefited from the regatta.
“Our crews raced well,” Michigan head coach Mark
Rothstein said. “But we just came up short today.”
Despite Michigan’s efforts, its boats were just not fast
enough to claim an overall victory over Ohio State. The
Wolverines’ first varsity four did win one race against Ohio
State with a time of 7:29, beating Ohio State by a comfortable
second.
“Our first varsity four performed well,” Rothstein
said.
It was the only Michigan boat that defeated Ohio State this
weekend. The Wolverines now know where they stand against the best
team in the country.
“Ohio State is a big challenge,” senior Heather
Mandoli said. “This year, (the Buckeyes) are a very strong
team, but they are beatable.”
Mandoli believes that Michigan has potential to improve by the
end of the season. It has plenty of time to increase speed and
endurance.
“Saturday was a measuring stick,” Mandoli said.
“Ohio State is a strong team. We just need to stay motivated
and to get faster.”
Heavy concentration on these two things in practice will help
Michigan improve and close the gap.
“Ohio State is an outstanding team,” Rothstein said.
“They were just the better team, today.”
Mandoli also believes that that her team can measure up to Ohio
State in the future.
“Being the better team now does not necessarily mean Ohio
State will be next month,” Mandoli said. “We just need
to improve our race.”
Michigan will have a chance to show its improvement against Ohio
State this weekend when the Wolverines travel to
Charlottesville,Va., to compete in the ACC/Big Ten Double Dual
against Ohio State, No. 8 Virginia and No. 18 Duke on Lake
Michie.