DEXTER LAKE, Ore. --- The Portland varsity eight claimed the gold medal and the Pilots raced six boats total in a busy day at the 2017 Covered Bridge Regatta on Saturday on Dexter Lake outside Eugene, Ore., on Saturday. Portland's JV four 'A' crew also took home some hardware, winning the silver in their event, and the second eight won the bronze as four of the Pilots' boats advanced to the grand final.
 
"Covered Bridge Regatta was our last team travel trip and a great season closing race," said Portland head coach Pasha Spencer. "We have today to reflect on how far we have come as a team, but next week we will move forward to select the WCC travel team and make final preparations for the championships. It's an exciting part of the year for us."

The varsity eight first won their heat with a time of 7:03.520 on the 2000 meter course. The crew then continued their momentum into the afternoon, posting a time of 7:24.320 in the final to finish on top of the field. National NCAA Division II power Western Washington was in second place, five seconds back.
 
Portland's JV four 'A' boat was third in their heat to qualify for the grand final. That's where they covered the course in 9:39.920 to finish second and collect the silver medal. Western Washington took home the gold.
 
The Pilots' novice eight also qualified for the grand final with a time of 8:23.120. In the finals, Portland finished sixth, while Seattle U claimed the top spot.
 
The second eight crew rowed twice, producing times of 7:47.520 and 7:55.590, which was good enough to gather the bronze. The WWU Vikings won both events.
 
Portland's varsity four raced in the petite final after posting a time of 8:47.240 in their heat. Seattle U won the petite final, and Western Washington took home the gold in the grand final.
 
Next up for the Pilots are the West Coast Conference Championships, which are scheduled for May 13 on Lake Natoma near Sacramento, Calif.
 
Portland Line-Ups
Varsity Eight: Miranda Reyes (coxswain), Veronica Nicacio, Brianne Zbylicki, Hannah Burns, Lauren Reid, Melanie Martinell, Acacia Welsford, Jacquelyn Bass, Lauren Jesse.
 
Second Eight: Alice Chang (coxswain), Sydne Jacoby, Megan Del Pozzi, Megan Medalia, Maddie Goodwin, Olivia Sanchez, Courtney Schmidt, Kiva Goodman, Maddy Bettinger-Lobash.
 
Novice Eight: Claire McKinnon (coxswain), Clare Hodge, Joselene Piedra, Reeca Bardon, Jules Kampe, Becca Slough, Mariah Graham, Marissa Frazzini, Amanda Michalski
 
Varsity Four: Bridget McGinnis (coxswain), Celina Perez, Katie Cram, Jess Mann, Karen Gonzalez
 
JV Four 'A': Miranda Reyes (coxswain), Kiva Goodman, Catherine Pennie, Kaitlin Yap, Alyssa Soete
 
JV Four 'B': Alice Chang (coxswain), Laruen Reid, Melanie Martinell, Caroline Hansen, Courtney Schmidt