RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. (May 12) ­ The Seattle Pacific University women's varsity eight pulled closer the two leaders but still finished third in the NCAA Division II West regional final Saturday on Lake Natoma.

The Falcons started strong staying within contact of eventual winner Western Washington and bow-to-bow with runner-up UC San Diego for the first thousand meters.

In the sprint, the Vikings pulled away to win with open water of UCSD and clinch the automatic berth at the NCAA Championships later this month in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Western was timed in 7 minutes, 10.9 seconds, UCSD in 7:19.6 and SPU in 7:33.8. Humboldt State was fourth in 7:41.1.

In the overall team point standings, Western finished with 20 points. UCSD had 15, and Seattle Pacific and Humboldt State four each.

Given the headwind, coach Seattle Pacific coach Keith Jefferson was pleased with the Falcons' time and effort.

"We continue to make up the difference with the frontrunners, and they did all that we asked of them," said Jefferson. "If this is the end of the season, then we ended on a high note."

Seattle Pacific is contending for an at-large NCAA berth for the varsity eight. The field will be announced Tuesday.

Div. II West Regional Varsity 8 Final 1-Western Washington 7:10.9, 2-UC San Diego 7:19.6, 3-Seattle Pacific 7:33.8, 4-Humboldt State 7:41.1

Seattle Pacific crew lineup: Stroke-Rachel Savage (So., Encinitas, Ca/San Dieguito), 7-Katie Wolff (Jr., Bridgewater, Vt./Mid Vermont Christian), 6-Amy Burns (So., Palm Springs, Ca./Desert Chapel), 5-Rachel Strand (Sr., Shoreline, Wa./King's), 4-Kay Chikos (Fr., Renton, Wa./Kentridge), 3-Erin Arkin (Fr., Tacoma, Wa./Academy Northwest), 2-Melissa Blevins (Fr., Walla Walla, Wa.), bow?Katie Wilner (So., Everett, Wa./Everett), coxswain-Megan Giske (Sr., Gig Harbor, Wa./Gig Harbor).