The University of Dayton women's rowing team launched its 2026 spring season with a strong performance against competitors from Milwaukee School of Engineering, Mercyhurst University, and Marietta. The team, under first-year head coach Adam Herrick, celebrated impressive finishes in both Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ events, showcasing their readiness for the season. Dayton achieved notable victories in their heats, indicating the program's promising potential as the season progresses. The Flyers are set to compete again on April 4 at the Lubbers Cup in Allendale, Michigan.

By the Numbers
  • Varsity 8+ Final A: Dayton finished in 6:18.52, beating Mercyhurst (6:29.15) and MSOE (6:34.35).
  • Varsity 4+ Final: Dayton clocked 7:14.21, ahead of Mercyhurst (7:19.47) and MSOE (7:31.80).
State of Play
  • Dayton's Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ boats won their respective heats, demonstrating improved times in subsequent races.
  • The second Varsity 8+ crew, composed of novices, showed resilience against more seasoned competitors, also improving their performance.
What's Next

The Flyers will aim to build on their season opener at the upcoming Lubbers Cup, where continued competition will further test the team鈥檚 capabilities and growth as they face a larger field.

Bottom Line

Dayton's strong start in their spring season not only reflects their current competitive edge but also sets a promising tone for future races. As young athletes gain experience, the Flyers are poised for an exciting season ahead.