RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. (May 13) ­ Seattle Pacific University held off a late sprint by Humboldt State to take the bronze medal at the NCAA Division II West Regional women's varsity eight final, held at the Pacific Coast Rowing Championships on Lake Natoma Saturday.

Western Washington won its third straight regional crown in 6 minutes, 54.9 seconds, followed by UC San Diego in 6:59.0. The Vikings will defend their NCAA title May 25-27 in West Windsor, N.J.

The Falcons rebounded from a slow start to overtake Humboldt midway through the 2000 meters and forge nearly a boat-length lead. The Lumberjacks too back a few seats but SPU crossed the line 2.7 seconds ahead, in 7:22.4.

This was the first appearance in an NCAA regional race for SPU. It scored six points. Western, which also won the varsity four, totaled 20 and UCSD 15. Humboldt finished with three.

Seattle Pacific's men's varsity four will row at the ECAC National Invitational Sunday in Worcester, Mass.

Div. II Women's Varsity 8
1-Western Washington 6:54.9, 2-UC San Diego 6:59.0, 3-Seattle Pacific 7:22.4, 4-Humboldt State 7:24.7