Huskies Have Strong Showing At Head of the American

GOLD RIVER, Calif. – The Washington women's rowing program opened up their fall season in strong fashion Saturday as the Huskies placed first in the women's collegiate 8+ race at the Head of the American Regatta. Washington also finished three pairs in the top five in the women's collegiate pairs.

The Huskies' other two boats that raced in the women's collegiate 8+ finished fourth and eighth, out of a total of 26 entries. Washington's winning boat in the collegiate eights finished over six seconds ahead of the defending national championship California women's rowing team.

"Our focus this fall is building a strong team from top to bottom," said women's head coach Yaz Farooq. "The regatta was extremely well-run this year and that made it a good tuneup for our team."

The Huskies started the day in the women's collegiate pairs, where the UW's top pair placed second. Three of the UW's pairs placed in the top five, including six pairs in the top 15 out of a total of 51 entries.

The quality of competition at the Head of the American was high, as four of the top five Pac-12 women's rowing teams and three of the top five NCAA women's rowing teams were in attendance.

"Being able to race eights and pairs in the Pac 12 at this time of year is really great experience for us." added Farooq "Everyone pulled together on every facet of this trip and that made it a whole lot of fun."

Up next, the UW women's rowing team will co-host the Head of the Lake on Nov. 6 on the Montlake Cut in the Huskies' only other competition this fall.

For more on Washington Rowing, follow the Huskies on Facebook, Instagram (@washingtonrowing) and Twitter (@UW_Rowing).

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