SHELTON, Conn. – The Drake rowing team had a strong start on day one of the Shelton Duel in Shelton, Conn.

Drake's varsity eight crew of Jacque Nowers (Ames, Iowa) (cox), Katie Serbin (Hannibal, Mo.), Maggie Benhart (St. Charles, Iowa), Brittany Michael (Pleasant Hill, Iowa), Jessica Nightser (Council Bluffs, Iowa), Bailey Berg (Eau Claire, Wis.), Andrea Piekarczyk (Downers Grove, Ill.), Emily Householter (Wheaton, Ill.) and Monica Worsley (Cary, Ill.) placed fifth in its race. The finish order of the race was Fairfield, Fordham, Robert Morris, Drake, Sacred Heart)

Drake's varsity four crew of Nowers (cox), Householter, Piekarczyk, Berg and Worsley placed fourth in its race. The finish order was Fordham A, Fordham B, Fairfield, Drake, Sacred Heart, Robert Morris.

“I'm happy with how we performed today,” said Drake head coach Charlie DiSilvestro. “We will make adjustments for tomorrow and get prepared for some more strong competition. Today was a good learning experience and we are excited to get back at it tomorrow.”

The Bulldogs compete tomorrow against the same teams except Marist replaces Fordham. Drake's junior varsity/novice crews travel to Omaha, Neb. to participate in the Upper Midwest Championships.