LAKEWOOD, Wash. – The Seattle Pacific University women's rowing team opened its season at the PLU Invite in Lakewood, Wash. on American Lake on Saturday morning. The competition featured teams from all three of the NCAA Divisions, as the Falcons picked up six first-place finishes throughout the day. 

QUOTABLE
"Today was a great start to the racing season. Nearly the whole team raced twice, which is valuable from a training perspective and practicing race plan execution under stress. Our varsity returners set an excellent example of what it means to be a Falcon, and our new team members rose to the occasion at their first collegiate competition. We are proud of how the team carried themselves and performed. We are grateful to PLU for hosting and for all the teams for racing!" - head coach Caitlin McClain

RESULTS
The Falcons opened the day by competing in the varsity 8+. They'd post the fastest time in the event with a 7:06.73. They'd also take the top spot in the varsity 4+ with a time of 7:59.21. They took down fellow Great Northwest Athletic Conference member Western Washington in both events.

The varsity 4+ ran again shortly after their first race. SPU posted a time of 8:14.94 and earned the top spot in the event.

Later in the day, the varsity 8+ competed again. SPU bested Seattle U and Puget Sound with a 7:02.81. The second group of varsity 8+ rounded out the day. The Falcons downed the Lutes and the Vikings with a time of 7:47.43.

THE CONDITIONS
The Falcons hit the water in mostly cloudy conditions on Saturday morning with temperatures in the mid to high 30s. The wind hit the lake at 3.5 miles per hour blowing toward the northeast.

UP NEXT
After a strong showing on Saturday, the Falcons won't race again until March 25. It'll be close to home, as they compete in the Husky Open in Seattle on the Montlake Cut.