HARTFORD, Conn. — The Sacred Heart University women's rowing team turned in a strong showing at the Head of the Riverfront Regatta on Sunday, highlighted by a top-four finish from the First Varsity Eight to open the fall season. 

The Pioneers' First Varsity Eight finished fourth overall with a time of 13:34, just five seconds off the winning pace set by UConn (13:29). The Second Varsity Eight placed seventh with a time of 13:58, narrowly trailing Trinity's second boat by one second and finishing ahead of all other 2V8 entries.

Sacred Heart's Third Varsity Eight clocked in at 14:32 to take 11th place, closing the gap on the 2V8 while outperforming all other third boats in the field. The team's Lightweight Eight also competed in the event, finishing 13th in 14:47 despite a steering issue caused by debris on the course.

Earlier in the weekend, the Lightweight 8+ competed in its first-ever race as a program, earning a win in a scrimmage against Community Rowing, Inc.'s Competitive Women's Team in Boston.

The Pioneers will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Mass.