No. 26 Marietta's victory over No. 20 Virginia and No. 30 Dowling highlights 11th Annual MC Invitational Regatta

Apr. 2, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio - The forecast forced the 11th Annual Marietta Invitational, rowed on the Muskingum River, to be moved to Saturday (Apr. 2). The slight inconvenience was well worth the results, as the Pioneer Navy had a very successful evening on the water.

The Varsity Eight was the featured race of the day, as it paired three of the top 30 teams in the nation, No. 20 Virginia, No. 26 Marietta and No. 30 Dowling (IA). Virginia held a slim lead at the 1,200 meter mark, but the Pioneer Navy was able to climb back ahead and crossed the line for the victory with a time of 4:42.73. The Cavaliers followed 1.89 seconds behind (4:44.62) with Dowling (4:58.30) finishing third.

Marietta's Second Varsity Eight also edged out a victory over Virginia Saturday. The Pioneer Navy finished the 2,000 meter race in 4:45.09 and Virginia crossed in 4:49.54.

The Freshmen Eight placed second to Virginia in its race. UVA-1 rowed to a time of 4;38.14, while MC finished in 4:39.94. UVA-2 placed third with a time of 5:06.64.

Marietta also had two shells of Four race Saturday. The Pioneers won the Freshmen Four with a time of 5:05.08. Virginia-1 took second (5:09.81) and Virginia-2 placed third (5:12.34). Marietta took second in the Men's Third Varsity/Lightweight Four with a time of 5:24.71. UVA-2 won the race with a time of 5:19.1 and UVA-1 placed third (5:38.39).

Following the event, a new shell, Jenn's Courage, was christened. It was dedicated in honor of Jennifer Hammer.

The Pioneer Navy, who continue to improve each week, will look to further its progress this Saturday (Apr. 9) when it travels to Washington D.C. for the George Washington Invitational.