RALEIGH, N.C . - Opening spring competition, the George Mason rowing team finished behind host institution North Carolina in three of four races contested at Lake Wheeler Saturday morning. The Patriots took second-place in the novice eights and second varsity eights.

The novice fours opened the race with Carolina claiming the top three finishes. Carolina's varsity four crossed the finish line first in 8:09.80, but the first novice boat to cross was Carolina's "A" boat in 8:24.71. UNC "B" followed (8:32.18), with Mason next (8:25.41) and West Virginia trailing (9:28.15).

The novice eights raced next with the Tar Heels in first in 7:37.73 and the Patriots coming in second in 7:47.78. West Virginia capped the race in 8:06.71.

UNC narrowly edged Mason in the second varsity eights coming in first in 7:23.60 as the Patriots crossed right behind in 7:25.07. The Mountaineers finished in third (7:47.10).

The varsity eights closed out the morning with Mason coming in third in 7:31.30. UNC again narrowly edged out the second-place team to finish in first. The Tar Heels crossed in 7:12.60 with West Virginia finishing in 7:13.20.

Mason continues spring competition at the Murphy Cup on March 26.

Complete Results

Novice Fours
1. UNC V4 - 8:09.80
2. UNC A - 8:24.71
3. UNC B - 8:32.18
4. GMU - 8:52.41
5. WVU - 9:28.15

Novice Eights
1. UNC - 7:37.73
2. GMU - 7:47.78
3. WVU - 8:06.71

Second Varsity Eights
1. UNC - 7:23.60
2. GMU - 7:25.07
3. WVU - 7:47.10