SEATTLE, Wash. --- The Portland Pilots first eight overcame windy conditions and the Western Washington Vikings, who are currently the second-ranked team in NCAA Division II, to finish first at the Husky Open at the Montlake Cut on Saturday morning. Portland also raced a novice eight and a first four at the regatta.
 
Although it was dry and partly cloudy in Seattle, the strong wind caused the races to be shortened from the normal 2000 meters to 1500 meters. 
 
Portland’s first eight jumped out to a slim lead during the start sequence. The Pilots then expanded on that lead as the race entered the Montlake Cut. WWU was able to cut into UP’s lead, but the Pilots responded and pulled away to finish with a time of 5:21.7. The Vikings finished four seconds back, while a Washington crew was third.
 
The win marked the first race with Portland freshman Molly Templin rowing the stroke seat. 
 
A strong wind greeted Portland’s first four about 200 meters from the finish line, while UW was able to claim the event with a time of 5:22.4. Seattle and WWU followed the Huskies.
 
UP’s novice eight got out to a good start, but two UW crews were able to finish first and second, ahead of the Pilots. Portland covered the 1500 meters with a time of 5:14.4 and finished comfortably ahead of both Western Washington and Seattle. UW’s ‘B’ crew posted a winning time of 5:05.9.
 
“Despite the windy conditions, Washington put on a great event,” Portland head coach Bill Zack said. “The first eight rowed with a good balance of aggressiveness and poise, which were two of the keys to the race that we had discussed on Friday night. We’ll be racing against both Western Washington and Seattle University again next week, so the team will work this week on being as prepared as possible for the rematch.” 
 
After the race a large contingent of Portland friends and family gathered around the newest eight, the Forsa na Flynns (Force of the Flynns) and thanked the Flynn family for their contribution to the program. 
 
The Pilots will be in action again next weekend when they travel to Dexter, Ore., for the Covered Bridge Regatta on Saturday.

Husky Open  – Seattle, Wash.
FIRST FOUR
1.) Washington - 5:22.4
2.) Seattle - 5:25.3
3.) Western Washington - 5:32.9
4.) Portland - 6:07.5
 
NOVICE EIGHT
1.) Washington ‘B - 5:05.9
2.) Washington ‘A’ - 5:10.2
3.) Portland - 5:14.4
4.) Western Washington - 5:22.3
5.) Seattle - 5:24.5
 
FIRST EIGHT
1.) Portland - 5:21.7
2.) Western Washington - 5:25.9
3.) Washington - 5:32.7

PORTLAND LINEUPS:
Varsity 8:  Sarah Donohoe (bow), Molly Donahue, Jamie Opra, Maggie Keller, Melissa Gomez, Mia Tarte,  Bridget Sloat, Molly Templin (stroke), Hannah Dahlem (coxswain)
  
Varsity 4:  Kassie Meras (bow), Suzanne Blair, Kelly Herman, Kayla Russell (stroke), Taylor Nelson (coxswain)
 
Novice 8:  Lucy Kelly (bow), Tara Molina, Alex Miller, Lauren Wilson, Peri Parsons, Casey Daley, Claire Seibold, Jessica Osborn (stroke), Kelsey Kincaid (coxswain)