U.S. Women’s Four Wins Semifinal on Day 2 of U19 World Championships

The U.S. continued racing at the U19 World Championships today, with crews battling through semifinals and finals across the regatta. The women’s four delivered the day’s top result, winning its semifinal to advance to tomorrow’s A Final, while the men's four also secured a place in the A Final and Porter Collins advanced to the men's single sculls semifinals.

Women’s Four

The women’s four once again walked through the field to secure a victory in its semifinal. The Americans got off the line in fifth place as France took the early lead. The U.S. pushed through the field to move into second by the halfway mark, closing the gap on the leading French crew. The third 500 meters proved decisive as the Americans moved through France and continued to gain seats before crossing the finish line in 6:56.79. France finished second in 6:58.25. Sophie Rostad, Olivia Lill, Tessa Murphy, and Lynn Gulli advance to tomorrow’s A Final.

Men’s Four

Noah Arismendez, Elliot Davis, John Piersma, and Vrishank Nalla battled through a tightly contested men’s four semifinal. The Americans got off the line in sixth place before setting their sights on Switzerland, overtaking the crew before the halfway mark. Showing their grit through the third 500 meters, the U.S. closed in on Germany in fourth place, entering the final 500 meters with only inches separating the crews for the final A-Final qualifying position. With an explosive sprint, the Americans took third from Germany to secure the A Final tomorrow. 

Men’s Single Sculls

Porter Collins faced Germany's Oskar Mueller once again in the quarterfinals of the men's single sculls. Collins settled into third place early in the race before putting together a strong closing 500 meters to comfortably secure one of the three semifinal qualifying spots. Collins crossed the line in second in 7:13.23 to advance to tomorrow's semifinals.

Men’s Quadruple Sculls

Dean Burton, Rowan Arendt, Brogan Fernald, and Goose Faynsod settled into sixth place during the first half of the men’s quadruple sculls semifinal. The Americans maintained their composure and began gaining seats on Croatia. Using the third 500 meters to move through Croatia and into fifth place, the U.S. battled China in the closing stages but ultimately finished fifth in 6:08.44. The crew will race in the B Final.

Women’s Quadruple Sculls

The U.S. women’s quadruple sculls got off the line in sixth place in their semifinal and worked to close the gap on Norway in fifth. Despite their efforts, the Americans were unable to make up the distance, with Germany winning the semifinal. Clare Junius, Sydney Vilhelm, Naomi Ronen, and Shay Triepel crossed the line in sixth in a time of 7:04.18 and will race in tomorrow’s B Final.

Women’s Double Sculls

Kathryn McClellan and Addi Levensten got off the line in third place in the C Final for the women’s double sculls. They battled with China through the second 500 meters before moving into second place. The Americans continued to build their advantage through the third 500 meters, creating open water and crossing the finish line in 7:29.07. The crew finished the championship 14th overall.

Men’s Double Sculls

In the C Final for the men’s double sculls, Graham Matlock and Andrew Vizecky battled South Africa down the course. The Americans settled into fourth place through the opening 500 meters before South Africa moved its bow ahead at the halfway mark. The two crews remained locked in a tight battle through the third 500 meters, with only inches separating them as they entered the sprint. The U.S. surged toward the finish, overtaking South Africa and Greece to finish third in 6:36.65 and 15th overall.

With another full day of racing in the books, the U.S. will return to the water tomorrow and Sunday for the remaining A and B Finals. With the women’s and men’s fours advancing to the A Final and Porter Collins moving on to the semifinals, the Americans will look to close out the championships with strong performances across the remaining events.