SEATTLE (Mar. 17) ­Seattle Pacific University opened its spring rowing season by claiming wins in five of six races, including the featured women's varsity eight with Pacific Lutheran Saturday in the Ship Canal.

In the eights, the Falcons prevailed by a bow over the Lutes. SPU was clocked in 6 minutes, 58.2 seconds and PLU in 6:59.6.

The other close decision came in the novice four as Seattle Pacific won by a boat-length.

In the men's races, the Falcons were comfortable winners in both the varsity and novice fours.

Pacific Lutheran won the women's JV four.

Next Saturday the crews will be in Eureka, Calif., for the Blue Heron Redwood Sprints.

Women's Results

• Varsity 4: 1-Seattle Pacific, 7:41.6; 2-Pacific Lutheran, 8:19.66
• Junior Varsity 4: 1-Pacific Lutheran, 7:42.72; 2-Pacific Lutheran Lwt., 7:59.82; 3-Seattle Pacific 8:09.21
• Novice 4: 1-Seattle Pacific, 7:59.79; 2-Pacific Lutheran, 8:05.56
• Varsity 8: 1-Seattle Pacific, 6:58.2; 2-Pacific Lutheran, 6:59.6

Men's Results

• Varsity 4: 1-Seattle Pacific, 6:58.37; 2-Pacific Lutheran, 7:23.24; 3-Seattle Pacific JV 7:35.8
• Novice 4: 1-Seattle Pacific, 7:26.12; 2-Pacific Lutheran, 8:13.05