TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama rowing opened its spring season with a convincing win over Eastern Michigan Saturday, sweeping the Eagles over seven races.

"We were pleased with how the team represented themselves and their school today," UA head coach Glenn Putyrae said. "We know there is still a lot of work ahead of us and things we need to improve, but overall, it was a great start."

The two teams met for three 2,000-meter races to start the day. Alabama's First Varsity 8+ grabbed the first win of the day, crossing the line at 8:04.86. Alabama's Second Varsity 8+ did not finish its first race after hitting a log midway through. The Tide's Third Varsity 8+ followed the 1V8+, winning the second outing with a time of 8:35.8. Alabama's First Varsity 4+ closed out the 2k sessions with a win of its own, crossing the line at 9:20.05.

After switching boats between the two sessions, the Tide's 2V8+ bounced back, finishing second in its two 1,000-meter pieces, trailing only Alabama's 1V8+ crew. Three crews represented the Tide in both Varsity 8+ pieces, with all finishing in the top-3. Alabama's First Varsity 4+ and Second Varsity 4+ ended one-two, respectively, in both pieces to close out the 1k session, giving the Tide the sweep in its home opener.

Up next, Alabama will take a week off competition before making the first of three trips to Oak Ridge, Tenn., for the Cardinal Invite, March 16-17.

For the most up-to-date information on the team, follow Alabama rowing via AlabamaRow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.

ALABAMA vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN

– Saturday, March 2, 2019

RACE RESULTS

2,000-meter session

1V8+/2V8+:

Alabama 1V8+ (8:04.86)

EMU 1V8+ (8:43.69)

EMU 2V8+ (9:17.15)

Alabama 2V8+ (DNF)

3V8+:

Alabama 3V8+ (8:35.8)

Alabama 5V8+ (8:42.8)

Alabama 4V8+ (8:52.3)

EMU 3V8+ (9:53.8)

1V4+/2V4+:

Alabama 1V4+ (9:20.05)

Alabama 2V4+ (9:34.54)

EMU 1V4+ (10:25.68)

EMU 2V4+ (10:57.56)

1,000-meter session

Varsity 8+:

Alabama 1V8+ (4:21.5)

Alabama 2V8+ (4:27.9)

Alabama 3V8+ (4:36.1)

EMU 1V8+ (4:41.3)

EMU 2V8+ (4:57.9)

EMU 3V8+ (5:14.2)

Varsity 4+:

Alabama 1V4+ (5:02.11)

Alabama 2V4+ (5:13.63)

EMU 1V4+ (5:18.85)

EMU 2V4+ (5:50.06)

Varsity 8+:

Alabama 1V8+ (4:15.8)

Alabama 2V8+ (4:24.0)

Alabama 3V8+ (4:28.6)

EMU 1V8+ (4:38.4)

EMU 2V8+ (4:53.2)

EMU 3V8+ (5:06.3)

Varsity 4+:

Alabama 1V4+ (5:11.37)

Alabama 2V4+ (5:21.98)

EMU 1V4+ (5:35.51)

EMU 2V4+ (6:08.03)