CHARLOTTESVILLE The Virginia rowing team opened its season by winning five races against Bucknell on Friday at the Rivanna Reservoir. The Varsity Eight, Second Varsity Eight, Varsity Four, Novice Eight and Second Novice Eight all were victorious against the Bison.

“It was a good start to our season,” Virginia head coach Kevin Sauer said. “We obviously have a lot to work on but we’re pleased with the results. Bucknell is a good team so we feel good.”

The Varsity Eight rowed to a victory with a time of 6:24.00. Bucknell finished the race with a time of 6:38.3. The Second Varsity Eight, meanwhile, won with a time of 6:33.3, beating Bucknell’s time of 6:46.3.

In the Varsity Four, Virginia’s “A” boat was victorious with a time of 7:14.00, followed by Bucknell (7:23.7), UVa “B” (7:26.9) and UVa “C” (7:33.1).

In the novice events, Virginia’s Novice Eight won with a time of 6:51.1, followed by Bucknell (6:58.9) and Bucknell’s lightweight (7:09.2).

In the Second Novice Eight, Virginia won with a time of 6:57.3, followed by Bucknell (7:24.9).

Up next, Virginia travels to Redwood Shores, Calif., for the Pac-10 Challenge on Saturday and Sunday (March 28-29). The Cavaliers face Stanford, California and UCLA.

Virginia vs. Bucknell
March 20, 2009
Rivanna Reservoir

Second Novice Eight: Virginia 6:57.3, Bucknell 7:24.9
Novice Eight: Virginia 6:51.1, Bucknell 6:58.9, Bucknell Lightweight 7:09.2
Varsity Four: Virginia “A” 7:14.00, Bucknell 7:23.7, Virginia “B” 7:26.9, Virginia “C” 7:33.1
Second Varsity Eight: Virginia 6:33.3, Bucknell 6:46.3
Varsity Eight: Virginia 6:24.00, Bucknell 6:38.3