CHERRY HILL, NJ – The Seattle Pacific University women's rowing team traveled across the country to Cherry Hill, NJ to compete against teams from all over the United States in the 2023 Knecht Cup, as Saturday featured preliminary races that saw both Falcon boats transfer into Sunday's A finals.

The Falcons sent two groups to compete in the Knecht Cup as they filled Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ boats. Teams were split into three heats, and the winners of each heat advanced to the finals. The three best times, regardless of the heat, transferred to Sunday's A or B finals. The Falcons clocked in with times landing them firmly inside the top 6.

"We are very pleased with how both boats performed given the travel, new racecourse, and unknown field," head coach Caitlin McClain said. "We are expecting even closer racing tomorrow given the level of competition."

Saturday also served as the first chance for the Falcons to compete against Great Northwest Athletic Conference member Central Oklahoma. The Falcons and Bronchos raced against each other in the third heat of V8+ on Saturday. It was a battle throughout the entirety of the 2,000-meter course, but UCO grabbed the top spot from SPU with a mark of 7:07.18. The Falcons took second in the heat with a 7:10.19. Both teams advanced to the A finals.

The Falcons' V4+ boat had a strong showing as well. Like the V8+, the Falcons took on the Bronchos in the third heat. The Falcons posted the second-fastest time of the heat with a mark of 8:24.59, trailing only the Bronchos. SPU advanced to Sunday's A final. 

The Falcons will line up and compete in the finals of the Knecht Cup on Sunday.

LINEUPS
Varsity 8+ c: Moxie McCandless 8: Jacinta Grandel 7: Natalie Korolenko 6: Macie Leach 5: Kalais Samuelson 4: Audrey Rekedal 3: Anna Boatman 2: Megan Popielak 1: Kristin Grassell 

Varsity 4+ c: Lucy Sandahl 4: Megan Rouse 3: Sophie Sandahl 2: Gem Gatmaytan 1: Ixchel Watson 

Spares: Elise Cornwell, Addie Clark