May 5, 2008

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - Five Gonzaga University women's rowers were named to the All-WIRA team after the completion of its annual regatta this past weekend at Lake Natoma just outside of Sacramento, Calif. Three rowers earned first-team honors while two others were tabbed for second-team accolades. Additionally, the Bulldogs won the WIRA Efficiency Trophy which is awarded to the school with the best collective finish in all races entered. The Zags, who won this trophy for the third time in four years, placed first in two Grand Final races and second in two others on Sunday.

Hanna McClintock, Kelly Steinhaus and Kelsey Koenig all earned first-team All-WIRA honors as they guided the Gonzaga Varsity 8+ boat to its third WIRA Championship in four years and their second championship of the weekend. On Friday, the Bulldogs won their 11th West Coast Conference Championship.

Whitney Patrick and Emily Wilson were both named to the All-WIRA second-team. Patrick was a member of the Second Varsity 8+ which also captured gold on Sunday, while Wilson was the coxswain of the Varsity 4+ boat that earned second place and a silver medal.

Gonzaga now has two weeks to prepare for the Pacific-10 Championships held May 18 at Lake Natoma.