The University of Alabama rowing team opened the 2016 spring season with a sweep against Eastern Michigan on Saturday morning on the Black Warrior River where the Crimson Tide came in first in each event.

There were four sessions of three races at 1000 meters each. Alabama’s first varsity crew won all of their four races with ease and saw their fastest time of the day come in the fourth session with a time of 3.01.78. The Crimson Tide’s second varsity eight posted the fastest time in the second session with a time of 3.21.28.

“We had a solid team-wide performance today,” coach Larry Davis said. “Even though this is the earliest in the spring we’ve ever raced, our crews raced with spirit and composure. It was a good first step in the season.”

Overall, seven Alabama crews competed in 11 1000-meter races. Senior Olivia Dennis is hoping to finish her career off on a strong note. She said the team really tried to focus on what coach Davis stressed to them prior to going out on the lake.

“[Davis] stressed about technique and mostly about getting long strong strokes so we don’t get short,” she said. “I feel like in rowing you can always improve so we will go out next week and work on rhythm and more technique.”

Next up for the Crimson Tide is the Cardinal Invitation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on March 12-13.