PHILADELPHIA -- Barry University women's rowing varsity 8+ crew finished second in Friday's heat race at the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta.
The Buccaneers crew of cox Grace Horwitz, stroke Kristina Boncheva, Kelly Harrison, Renee Forcier, Kasia Walentynowicz, Mandy Carper, Helene Pierre, Courtney Greene and bow Rebekah Kilroy advanced to Saturday's NCAA Grand Final at 4 p.m.
Barry completed the 2,000-meter course in 7:13.956 at the prestigious regatta.
"We did what we had to do," Buccaneers coach Dave Sanderson said. "Today's row was OK. It was utilitarian. We're looking forward to improving on that tomorrow."
Dad Vail attracts crews from different college divisions from all over the country, and serves as the last measuring stick to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
For Dad Vail results visit http://dadvail.org/results2012.asp.