GOLD RIVER, Calif. – The Western Washington University women's rowing team had a spectacular start to the WIRA Championships, qualifying three boats for Sunday's Grand Finals on Lake Natoma.

 

WWU turned in winning performances in its heat races in the Varsity 8+ and the Varsity 4+ and placed second in the second Varsity 8+.

 

The Vikings time of 6:51.912 in the varsity eight led all 14 crews in the two heats, bettering GNAC rivals Seattle Pacific (6:58.898 – 2nd in Heat 1) and Cal Poly Humboldt (7:00.122 – 1st in Heat 2).

 

Western's Varsity 4+ won the opening heat with a time of 8:12.324 to earn a spot in the Grand Final by placing in the top two. The Vikings time was fourth-best among the 18 crews entered in the division.

 

The Vikings second Varsity 8+ entry placed second with a time of 7:36.071, with all eight crews advancing to the Sunday Grand Final.

 

"It's always great to be racing at Lake Natoma against strong competition," said head coach Courtney Moeller. "We're very happy with how the team raced today. The goal was to get all our boats into the grand finals and the crews delivered. We're looking forward to another day of fun and fast racing tomorrow!"

 

Racing begins Sunday at the WIRA Championships at 8:00 am with the Vikings first race scheduled for 8:50 am with the Varsity 8+ Grand Final. Live results and a free webcast is available online with links posted on WWUVikings.com/Live.

 

Here is a listing of times the Vikings are scheduled to compete on Sunday to wrap up the 2026 WIRA Championships:

 

Sunday Finals:

• 8:50 am – Varsity 8+ (Grand Final) – Lane 1
• 9:20 am – 2nd Varsity 8+ (Grand Final) – Lane 2
• 10:40 am – Varsity 4+ (Grand Final) – Lane 2
• 11:00 am – 2nd Varsity 4+ (Grand Final) – Lane 2

 

Here are links on how to follow the Vikings at the WIRA Championships:

 

• Live Results
• Webcast – Sunday
• Parking and Admission

 

Here is a look at results from WWU's races from Saturday at the 2026 WIRA Championships.

 

 

Here is a look at the lineups for the Vikings that raced Saturday at the 2026 WIRA Championships:

 

 

The Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) is a western regional organization with membership comprised of over 40 rowing programs at all division levels and representing colleges and universities in five western states (and Oklahoma).

 

The first ordered edition of the NCAA Division II Regional Rowing rankings was released this week with WWU listed No. 2. The Vikings Varsity 8+ is ranked No. 2 and the Varsity 4+ is No. 3. Here is a look at the rankings via NCAA.com:

 

 

Here is a look at the current CRCA Coaches Poll with the Vikings checking in at No. 2 in the week seven rankings, with WWU received two first-place votes:

 

 

Following Sunday's final day of the WIRA Championships, the Vikings are back in action next weekend racing in the Windermere Cup as part of Opening Day with the regatta scheduled for Saturday, May 2 on Montlake Cut in Seattle. More information on the 2026 edition of the Windermere Cup can be found at GoHuskies.com. The complete 2026 WWU rowing schedule can be found online at WWUVikings.com.

 

WWU Rowing is one of the elite collegiate rowing programs in the country across all divisions, having won nine NCAA Division II National Championships. The Vikings won the 2024 NCAA II National title, the 2017 title, placed 2nd in 2018, 3rd in 2019 and runner-up in 2022. WWU has competed in the NCAA Championships in 21 of the 23 NCAA Division II national regattas, taking home the gold (9 times), silver (5 times) and bronze (6) medal 20 times in the 23 years the NCAA Division II team title has been awarded, and reached the podium 20 times. Western won seven consecutive DII national championships from 2005-2011.

 

WWU Rowing Inside the Numbers:

21 – NCAA II Rowing Championship Appearances (out of 23)

16 – Individual Championships (Eights-7, Fours-9)

9 – National Championships (2005-11, 2017, 2024)

6 – 3rd Place Finishes at Nationals

5 – National Runner-Up Finishes

2 – GNAC Championships (in 5-year history of event)