On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake served as the stage for a landmark event in collegiate athletics: the first-ever Mid-American Conference Women's Rowing Championship. As the host institution, Eastern Michigan University welcomed a competitive field that included conference newcomers and established rowing programs. Despite significant weather challenges and a field of high-caliber opponents, the Eagles delivered a performance defined by resilience and record-breaking speed.
Record-breaking silver for the third varsity eight
The undisputed highlight of the championship for the Eagles was the performance of the Third Varsity Eight (3V8+). The crew made program history by clinching a silver medal with a time of 6:58.8. This performance not only secured a podium finish but also set a massive new school record. The Eagles' time was more than 15 seconds faster than the previous program best for a 3V8+ crew, which had been 7:14.20, set at the Mason Invite in 2019.
During the race, the EMU 3V8+ showed exceptional grit, battling at the front of the pack throughout the event. They successfully surged past Temple University to take second place and maintained consistent pressure on the eventual champion, the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This silver-medal finish provided a significant emotional and competitive spark for the team during their home regatta.
Conference recognition and individual excellence
The championship served as a platform for individual Eagles to be recognized among the best in the conference. Junior Abbi Lauth, a native of Grosse Ile, Michigan, and junior Bryah Moriarty, hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, were both named Second-Team All-MAC. These honors capped off their 2025-26 seasons and underscored the talent present in the EMU top-tier lineups.
In the overall team standings, Eastern Michigan finished with 14 points, tying the program's best-ever conference championship score. This point total allowed the Eagles to finish in fifth place overall, positioning them ahead of the University of Toledo in the final rankings. UMass took the overall title with 36 points, followed by the University of Delaware (27), Temple University (26), and High Point University (17).
Overcoming the elements at Ford Lake
The inaugural championship was not without its obstacles. Rain and lightning forced officials to delay racing by nearly three hours in total. Despite the long periods of waiting and the unpredictable conditions, the Eagles remained focused on their home course. Their ability to stay "locked in" during the delays was evident in the competitive times posted across all boat classes.
Detailed championship results
Beyond the silver-medal performance of the 3V8+, Eastern Michigan saw competitive efforts from its other crews:
- Second Varsity Eight (2V8+): This crew finished fourth overall with a time of 7:00.9, contributing six points to the team total.
- First Varsity Eight (1V8+): The Eagles' top boat finished fifth in a tightly contested final, clocking in at 6:56.7.
- First Varsity Four (1V4+): The EMU 1V4+ also took fifth place, finishing the course in 7:58.2.
While UMass dominated the day by winning the 1V8+, 2V8+, 1V4+, and 3V8+ finals, EMU’s ability to remain competitive in every event helped them secure their record-tying point total.
A look at the Eagles’ championship lineups
The success of the day was a total team effort, driven by the following lineups:
- 3V8+ (Silver Medalists): Led by coxswain Ella Brzezinski, the crew included Campbell Moore, Julia Maxwell, Adeline Horter, Emily MacIntyre, Adrianne Latunski, Kendall Moore, Kalina Cochran, and Ellie Kissel.
- 1V8+: Coxed by Tatum Nettle, featuring Bryah Moriarty, Natalie Prairie, Gabby Charvat, Abbi Lauth, Brooke Parisi, Ellie Latunski, Sydney Junkans, and Megan Sherry.
- 2V8+: Led by coxswain Reyna Nyquist, with Abigail Zola, Lilly Kline, Stella Balcom, Helena Lehr, Jemma Rasmusen, Brooke Karesh, Lauren Tompkins, and Lydia Risser.
- 1V4+: Directed by Coxswain Hazel Bown, featuring Abby Tirollo, Elora Luton, Cierra Rexrode, and Hannah Brunton.
Conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign
The MAC Championship on May 16 marked the final event of the Eastern Michigan rowing season. With no additional competitions remaining, the team heads into the offseason on a high note, having set a new standard for their 3V8+ boat and successfully hosting the first conference championship in program history.
