After sweeping two regattas already this season, the undefeated Virginia crew team travels to Michigan for the annual ACC/Big Ten Dual tomorrow. The Cavaliers will face Michigan and Ohio State, teams that finished second and fourth, respectively, in last year's NCAA championships.
This will be the first road trip for the Cavaliers this season. Coach Kevin Sauer said he doesn't think going on the road puts his team at any disadvantage.
"Water is water," Sauer said. Being in Michigan "really won't make any difference."
Tomorrow's races will mark the start of the season for the Wolverines and the Buckeyes. Virginia has already swept two teams in competition this season, and hopes the race experience it gained will give it a slight edge.
"Rowing is like any other sport," sophomore Jennifer Reck said. "You can plan and prepare all you want, but there is nothing like getting out there and racing."
Although Sauer said he agrees that race experience is important, he knows that top programs like the two his team will race against tomorrow will be ready to row.
"Having a couple of races under our belt is important," Sauer said. "But Ohio State and Michigan are not rookies. When the flag goes down they'll know what to do."
|
Virginia likely will see both teams again in the NCAA championships, and a win now would help the Cavaliers' confidence.
"If we do well, it's a real big win," Sauer said. "If we don't win, its not a big deal. It's really early in the season. There are a lot of things that change, so you don't put too much credence on who wins now."
Even at this early stage, Virginia has been eager to row against top tier competition.
"This race has definitely been on our minds all season," junior Molly Baker said. "Even during the San Diego State and Duke races, it was in the back of our minds. We don't get to see this competition very often and we are really excited about it."
The Cavaliers are scheduled to race Ohio State in the morning and Michigan in the afternoon. This will test Virginia's endurance and could give Michigan a slight edge. Although Michigan has a morning race against Duke, the Wolverines are expected to beat the Blue Devils easily.
"I don't think Michigan will row all out against Duke. They'll take a win and try to save a lot for us," Reck said. "We just have to try to rest up in between races."
The Cavaliers will try to rest not only between races, but on their way to Michigan. For the first time the crew team will travel by sleeper bus rather than by coach bus or plane.
"For an 11 hour bus ride, sleeper buses can make a huge difference," Sauer said. "It will give our kids a chance to get horizontal and get some rest tonight"
Read More
Football lands three additional transfers
By Peter Kriebel | YesterdayOne common trait that stands out with this most recent batch of transfers is size.
Men’s basketball suffers road drubbing versus California
By Emory Huffman | YesterdayVirginia submitted another rudderless performance.
