May 11, 2007

Philadelphia, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's varsity lightweight eight cruised into the finals as the Laker men's and women's rowing teams competed in the first day of the Dad Vail Regatta, the largest collegiate regatta in the United States, Friday.

The men's lightweight eight finished its heat in 6:10.07 to place first and had the second best time among all heats. The Lakers will compete in the finals in that event.

The men's varsity heavyweight eight competed twice, finishing third in its opening heat with a time of 6:19.87. The Lakers shaved more than nine seconds off of its time in its second run, placing second with a 6:10.39 to advance to the semifinals.

In women's action, the varsity heavyweight four finished third in its heat with a time of 8:22.85, just missing out on a trip to the finals. The varsity heavyweight eight was fourth with a time of 7:25.92.

The Lakers will continue with day two of the Dad Vail Regatta Saturday.