Mercyhurst became only the second school to win the Division II Women's Rowing Championships team title May 28-30 at the CSUS Aquatic Center in Sacramento, California.

Mercyhurst edged Humboldt State by one point to earn its first national championship in school history. UC Davis had won both national crowns since the Division II championships were established in 2002. The Lakers' one-point victory was the slimest margin of victory in the championships' history. UC Davis won back-to-back championships by five points both years.

Western Washington finished third in the team competition. The Vikings were national runner-ups in 2002 and 2003. Barry earned fourth place to match its highest finish in the championships.

In the Eights final, Mercyhurst finished ahead of Humboldt State, Florida Tech and Western Washington with a winning time of 7:02.9. Humboldt State claimed a victory in the Fours with a time of 7:57.5. Mercyhurst and Western Washington finished the race in second and third place, respectively.

Adrian Spracklen, head coach at Mercyhurst, said earning a national championship had been a goal for the team.

"We're an established school, but we had yet to win a title. It took a perfect race to win, and that is exactly what happened. It's just a testament to the girls, the coaching staff and the administration to win the national title in sunny Sacramento," Spracklen said.

Team results

1. Mercyhurst, 18; 2. Humboldt St., 17; 3. Western Wash., 10; 4. Barry.

Event results

Fours: Final -- 1. Humboldt St. [Jolie Smith, Winnie Bell, Jessica Lev, Lisa McDonnell, Melanie Rowsey (coxswain)], 7:57.5; 2. Mercyhurst, 8:04.4; 3. Western Wash., 8:11.3.

Eights: Petite final -- 1. Nova Southeastern, 7:17.5; 2. Barry, 7:17.8.

Eights: Final -- 1. Mercyhurst [Naomi Petendra, Kerri Kanaley, Courtney Oke, Chelsea Boothe, Meg Bryant, Megan Holloway, Kristin Best, Kristen Ficorilli, Jill Natale (coxswain)], 7:02.9; 2. Humboldt St., 7:06.2; 3. Florida Tech, 7:10.5; 4. Western Wash., 7:11.3.