PENNSAUKEN, N.J. --- The Jacksonville women's rowing program finished second in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships Sunday, finishing behind Fairfield on a tiebreaker after both teams finished with 47 points.

The Dolphins started the day hot, lapping the field in the opening heats. The first Varsity 4+ finished in 07:49.440, almost 30 seconds clear of any other crew. The second Varsity 8+ followed suit, finishing over 22 seconds ahead of second place in 06:52.888. 

The first Varsity 8+ made it three for three in the heats, rowing in 06:40.289 to lead all crews by more than 11 seconds. 

After a short break, the teams returned to the water for the final portion of the competition. The second Varsity 4+ crew, who's result wouldn't factor into the final scores, started as the Dolphins took the silver medal in 07:55.256.

Jacksonville stacked another silver in the first Varsity 4+, finishing in 07:37.610, within three seconds of first place. 

The second Varsity 8+ secured a win for the Dolphins, winning the gold in 06:52.909 by more than three seconds. 

The first two grand finals meant it all came down to the first Varsity 8+ grand final for the final championship spot. Jacksonville fought hard, but ultimately clinched a third-place finish in 06:46.728.

With that bronze in tow, the Dolphins tied for the lead in points, but Fairfield took the championship with its first-place finish in the first Varsity 8+ grand final.

Head Coach Mike Lane
"Our team has faced more adversity this spring than any other program I have coached. That being said, I could not be more proud of the effort, attitude and love our athletes have for each other.

They showed tremendous heart and grit racing in some of the most challenging conditions we have seen this season. Even through a broken boat in the Varsity 8+ event, they stayed calm and focused and did not let that impact their performance on the water. 

Congrats to Stetson in the Varsity 8+ event for an epic performance, as well, Fairfield for representing the MAAC Conference at NCAAs."