MERCER, N.J. -- Mercyhurst competed for the Knecht Cup and earned silver medals in the Club Four -- DI / II event and in the Club Eight -- DI / II event.
The two-day regatta saw Mercyhurst advance to the finals in every event entered. On Saturday, the women's four of Breellen Plucknett, Jessica Garver, Kate Moran, Alexandra Kleckner, and Molly Harrald won their heat with a time of 7:53.8, besting VCU by more than six seconds. Sunday's final brought calm conditions in which Mercyhurst was able to capitalize on and finish ahead of VCU again to earn a second-place finish behind Bowdoin.
Saturday's heat for the women's eight pitted Mercyhurst against Division II rivals Rollins and regional rival Charleston (W. Va.). Mercyhurst's entry of Allissa Porter, Hanna Schumacher, Alexis Theuret, Maggie Switzer, Leyla Dombrowski, Taylor Rider, Kate Castonguay, Elizabeth Hook, and Mairead Manke won their heat by finishing ahead of Rollins by more than nine seconds. Mercyhurst would face another regional opponent in the final when they lined up against Philadelphia University. The Rams of Philadelphia proved to be just 1.9 seconds quicker than the Lakers on Sunday to force Mercyhurst to settle for a silver medal.
