WSU rowers 8th in nation

The Washington State women’s rowing team finished eighth at the NCAA Championships at Lake Natoma in California, matching the second-best finish in program history. It was also the best finish for WSU since 2008.

The Cougars’ second varsity eight crew, the only WSU boat to make a Grand Final, finished sixth.

WSU’s varsity eight took ninth overall after finishing third in the petite final and the varsity four boat was seventh after winning its petite final.

“The team raced really fierce today and did a great job,” WSU head coach Jane LaRiviere said. “They did what they needed to do, there was no giving up and no letting up. I really think they made Cougar Nation proud, finishing in the rowing version of the ‘Elite Eight’.”

Washington finished fourth in the team standings. The Huskies were sixth in the varsity eight Grand Final, third in the second varsity eight Grand Final and fourth in the varsity fours Grand Final.

Gonzaga finished 17th. Its varsity eight and varsity four boats were third in C finals.

The second varsity eight won the D final.

“The team performance is a great step forward,” said Gonzaga head coach Glenn Putyrae.

“Across the board, we felt good about the consistency of all the crews’ performance. They rose to the occasion when possible today.”

Men’s golf

Washington was tied for 15th place with SMU when play was suspended Sunday night in Bradenton, Florida, due to lightning.

Washington and SMU, both at 26 over, completed their rounds and looked likely to tie. If that happens there would be a playoff to determine and 15th and final team to advance to the final round.

Georgia, still on the course when play was suspended leads at 1 over.

Cheng-Tsung Pan is the top UW golfer at 2 under, good for a tie for seventh.

SMU’s Bryson Dechambeau leads the field at 7 under at Concession GC.

After the third round is completed, the top nine individuals not on an advancing team and the top 15 teams take part in a final round of stoke play that determines the individual champ plus the top eight schools for match play.

Baseball

Tickets go on sale today for the inaugural Northwest/Pioneer League All-Star Game that will be played at Avista Stadium on Aug. 4. It’s the first time that all-star teams from the two leagues will meet.

Ticket sales begin at 9 a.m. Reserved bench seats are still available for $12.

Info: spokaneindians.com or (509) 343-6886.