Feb. 6, 2012

BERKELEY -

This past week the team held its third annual singles regatta where 18 freshmen and varsity team members were selected to race against each other in singles for 2000 meters. This race is an important tradition for Cal women's crew, not only because it provides valuable insight for selection, but it also creates a competitive environment that inspires us to push our limits and prepare for the spring racing season. Without a doubt there was great racing from the qualifying races on Thursday all the way to the finals on Saturday.

Senior and Norway native Kristina Lofman was the favorite this year since she is the defending champion from last year, and she proved her sculling prowess by taking the gold home again this year. She was followed by sophomore Paparangi Hipango, representing New Zealand in second and junior Erica Rippe in third, who was the first American to finish in the top three since Shay Seager won in 2010. Other standout performances include sophomore Rosie Popa in fourth, sophomore Agatha Nowinski in fifth and freshman Maria Maydan in sixth.

In singles regatta tradition, the winner sings their country's national anthem. Kristina, joined by the petite final winner freshman Ingvild Ronningen, sang a beautiful rendition of the Norwegian national anthem.

As the singles regatta concludes, the team continues to prepare for the spring racing season by putting in hard work every day at practice and gearing up for the pairs regatta later this month.