Western Washington Vikings Women's Crew - Western Washington University Official Athletic Site

Western No.2 in USRowing/CRCA/NCAA II Poll

Vikings had held top spot since Apr. 6, 2005

WWU varsity eight

April 24, 2009

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - For the first time in over four years, Western Washington University's varsity eight is not ranked No.1 in the USRowing/Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association/NCAA Division II Poll released this week.

The Vikings are rated No.2 with 26 points, two behind top-ranked Mercyhurst College PA. Western received two of the six first-place votes, with the Lakers getting four.

Last week, Western and Mercyhurst were tied for No.1. The Vikings fell to No.2 despite a dominating performance in winning a fifth straight title last Saturday at the Northwest Collegiate Rowing Conference Championships.

Mercyhurst also had an outstanding effort Saturday in taking top honors at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships.

The Vikings, who have won the last four national titles, took over the top spot on Apr. 6, 2005 and held that position for 39 straight polls. The last school other than Western to be by itself atop the poll was Mercyhurst on March 30, 2005.

Western's varsity eight has not lost to a non-Division I school since the 2005 national championships.

The Vikings next compete at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships on May 2-3 on Lake Natoma near Sacramento, Calif.

On, Saturday, Mercyhurst plays host to No.3 Dowling College NY and No.4 Philadelphia University.

Western's varsity eight defeated Dowling twice on Apr. 4 at the NCRC Invitational, by three and one boat lengths.

Women's NCAA Division II Varsity Eights

Team (1st-Place Votes) Points Previous Week 1. Mercyhurst College (4) 28 1t 2. Western Washington University (2) 26 1t 3. Dowling College 17 3 4. Philadelphia University 11 4 5. Seattle Pacific University 6 5 Not Ranked But Receiving Votes: Nova Southeastern 2.