The Sacramento State women?s rowing team took third place at the Head of the Port of Sacramento to start off the 2001-2002 season Sunday.

The Hornets completed the six-team regatta with a time of 22:33. The University of California, Berkley, “A” team won the race with a time of 19:43 and the Golden Bears? “B” team took second place with a time of 19:58.

Trailing Sac State were Cal “C” (22.50), Cal “D”(22:55) and the Blair Island Aquatic Center (24:28).

Bill Zack, six-year coach of the women?s rowing team, thought his team did very well. He said the race was low key and not really important, as he used his second best lineup, and was out there trying to have fun.

Zack also noted that the team is focused to defend last year?s Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association championship. They went on third-place finish in last year?s Pacific Coast Rowing Championships.

“The fall season is an important time for the team to train and have some fun,” Zack said.

With their first regatta under the belt, the Hornets will compete again at the Head of the American on Saturday, Oct. 27. The Hornets will host their spring opener on Saturday, March 2, at the CSUS Aquatic Center.