AUSTIN, Texas Kansas State women’s rowing team opened the spring season at the seventh annual Longhorn Invitational on Friday.  The First Novice Eight dominated the race as they defeated Duke on the first day of the three-day event.

In the head-to-head competition against the Blue Devils, the 1N8+ crossed the line 30 seconds ahead of Duke.  “Our 1N8+ opened the season with a strong showing, it was good to see,” said Head Coach Patrick Sweeney.  “They put together a solid race that they can build on.”

The Blue Devils bounced back and won the next two races as the First Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight boats won their races.  The Wildcats’ 1V8+ finished with a time of 6:56.9, eight seconds behind Duke, while the 2V8+ (7:08.9) finished 10 second behind the Blue Devils. “The Varsity races were a bit disappointing, to be honest.  We are about 10 seconds slower than where we need to be at this point in the year,” said Sweeney.

The Second Novice Eight also raced on Friday against the host Texas.  The Wildcats crossed the line behind the Longhorns.

K-State will continue racing Saturday and Sunday.  The Wildcats will compete in nine races on Saturday including three against Central Florida, three against Miami and two against Texas.  K-State will wrap-up competition on Sunday with four races scheduled against Iowa.

Complete race results from the Longhorn Invitational can be accessed at: www.TexasSports.com.

LONGHORN INVITATIONAL

March 16, 2007

at Austin, Texas

K-State vs. Texas

Second Novice Eight 1. Texas (7:10.2), 2. Kansas State (7:40.2)

K-State vs. Duke

First Novice Eight 1. Kansas State (6:57.9), 2. Duke (7:28.6)

Second Varsity Eight 1 Duke (6:58.5), 2. Kansas State (7:08.9)

First Varsity Eight 1 Duke (6:48.3), 2. Kansas State (6:56.9)