PITTSBURGH – The George Mason University rowing team set its foundation for a competitive fall season at the Yinzer Cup this weekend in the Steel City.
 
The Patriots raced a pair of eight boats and one novice four to get the fall slate underway.
 
"Thanks to Robert Morris for hosting competitive and high quality racing this weekend," head coach Joseph Richards said. "I'm happy with the efforts from all of our boats today. Before racing started, I thought there was a lot of promise in our group this season, and our performance today only reinforced that. For me, the highlight was a couple of side-by-side 1000m pieces we did with Robert Morris. It was fun to get a preview of spring racing. I'm looking forward to the rest of the fall and seeing what speed we can find in our two races to come."
 
The Varsity 8+ and Second Varsity 8+ boats opened the day with 4500m pieces. The 2V8+ finished its race in 18:24.80, while the V8+ put together an efficient performance in 16:31.50.
 
GM's Novice 4+ boat also made its debut in a 1000m piece and finished in 4:21.40.
 
In the afternoon, the 2V8+ and V8+ boats competed in head-to-head, 1000m pieces against Robert Morris. The V8+ finished less than two seconds behind Robert Morris in the opening piece (3:24.60) and held a similar spot in piece two while improving its speed with a time of 3:18.00.
 
The 2V8+ also improved on its time from piece to piece (4:04.00 to 3:59.60).
 
The Patriots return to action next Saturday (Oct. 26) at the Head of the Schuykill.
 
RESULTS
2V8+ 4500m
1) Canisius A – 17:21.50
2) Canisius B – 18:12.60
3) Robert Morris – 18:16.70
4) George Mason – 18:24.80
 
V8+ 4500m
1) Canisius – 16:11.70
2) Robert Morris – 16:25.60
3) George Mason – 16:31.50
 
Novice 4+ 1000m
1) George Mason – 4:21.40
2) Robert Morris – DNF
 
1000m Piece 1
1) Robert Morris – 3:22.70
2) George Mason A – 3:24.60
3) George Mason B – 4:04.00
 
1000m Piece 2
1) Robert Morris – 3:16.20
2) George Mason A – 3:18.00
3) George Mason B – 3:59.60