SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Saint Mary's rowing team had a strong showing at the first day of the San Diego Crew Classic at Mission Bay in San Diego. The day was headlined by the SMC varsity eight boat, advancing to Sunday's Grand Final.

The SMC varsity eight finished third in its heat, meaning the Gaels advanced to the Grand Final. The Gaels notched a time of 7:03, coming in behind British Columbia (6:57) and Iowa (7:02). The Gaels finished ahead of Tulsa, Old Dominion, Purdue and Villanova.

The Gaels, along with BC and Iowa will participate in the Grand Final along with Victoria, Kansas State and Sacramento State on Sunday.

The SMC second varsity eight was also in action and finished sixth in its heat. The Gaels would go on to finish fourth in their second varsity eight final, defeating the WCC's LMU.

The Saint Mary's varsity eight is back in action on Sunday in the Grand Final in San Diego at Mission Bay.