The Tennessee Lady Volunteers rowing team won the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Rowing Championship on May 10, defeating Texas in a close final race. The Lady Vols’ first varsity eight boat held off a late charge from Texas to secure the victory and claim their first SEC title.
This championship marks Tennessee’s first conference win since 2012, when they competed in Conference USA. Head coach Kim Cupini said, “Phenomenal to see that from the team. Texas coming in was the number one team in the country and had that undefeated eight. So to see the varsity eight clinch like that was awesome. I have to take my hat off to the full team to get enough points to win the SEC Championship and bring that championship home, especially here at home in Tennessee. So, I was super impressed and super proud of them.”
The overall point total for the event came down to the last race of the morning, with Tennessee edging out Texas by a score of 79-75 for the conference crown. The Lady Vols collected four wins during the competition: victories came in first varsity eight (1V8), second varsity four (2V4), third varsity eight (3V8), and third varsity four (3V4). The decisive 1V8 crew posted a time of 6:06.939 against Texas, handing their opponents their first loss of the season.
Cupini said about her team’s performance: “I think the boats on the water saw that. I think to be able to race from ahead and pull off the win, but also to be able to race from behind in the event and win is incredible. The second four, we were going crazy on that… To get enough points to win the team [championship] and beat a team like Texas when they’re number one in country was awesome.” Tennessee also swept both third varsity events with dominant performances.
Texas took victories over Tennessee in both first varsity four (1V4+) and second varsity eight (2V8+) races; however, it was not enough for an overall win as Tennessee’s depth secured crucial points across other events.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will compete at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville at this year’s NCAA Championships scheduled for May 29-31. The NCAA Division I Women’s Rowing Selection Show will air on Tuesday, May 19.
