ORINDA, Calif. — The 2021 fall season officially began on Saturday morning as the Gaels hit the water against Cal. In their first fall competition since the fall of 2019, SMC Rowing went up against five boats from Cal, while putting one in the water themselves.
 
The format for Saturday's race featured a 1500-meter race at a 30-stroke rating and a 1000-meter race at an open-stroke rating. The Gaels were not able to eke out a victory over the Golden Bears, but head coach Anna Pytlak was still pleased with the first performance of the season.
 
"We were in contact with Cal on Saturday, which was really good," Pytlak said following the races. "It was a great way to start our fall racing season and we were really appreciative of the opportunity to race our Briones neighbors."
 
LINEUP
Coxswain: Lina Rak
8: Emily Ferbet
7: Vivian Hsu
6: Katrina Heffernan
5: Olivia Watson
4: Alyssa Teague
3: Kendall Brazeel
2: Hathaway Scarpine
1: Brooklyn Cassel
 
UP NEXT
Saint Mary's is back in action next weekend as they take part in the Head of the Port race in Sacramento on Sunday, October 10. They will have the Head of the Port and Head of the Lagoon left in the fall semester before resuming action in March.
 
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