Women's ACRA Championships 2025 - History is written... no, history is still writing
ACRA Championships: The Legacy Continues
The Long Beach State Women’s rowing program delivered a truly remarkable comeback to the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA) Championships, transforming as a team from declining numbers to producing national champions and medalists in a single season.
Over the past several years, the Women’s Beach Crew faced an uncertain future. The program has long been a source of pride teetered on the edge of extinction, with dwindling resources and participation coming to rest decades of rowing tradition at Long Beach State. With no boats having traveled to nationals the previous season, what occurred next can only be described as extraordinary.
Regatta Results
Long Beach State Women’s Crew competed at the ACRA National Championships with all three boats advancing to grand finals across multiple events, delivering performances that exceeded expectations.
Lightweight 4+ - National Champions
The lightweight four with coxswain claimed the national title with a commanding performance in the grand final, beating out Michigan State with open water both days. The crew’s dominance was evident from their opening race through their championship-clinching performance.
Crew Lineup:
Coxswain: Alexandra Pestolis
4-Seat: Cecilia Dale
3-Seat: Julia Jacques
2-Seat: Morgan Purdy
Bow Seat: Savannah Hudson
WL4+ Results:
• Race for Lanes: 1st place (8:02.209)
• Grand Final: 1st place (7:53.111)
The crew’s nearly nine-second improvement from qualifying to the grand final demonstratedtheir ability to peak when it mattered most, capturing Long Beach State’s first national rowing championship in years for the program.
Single Sculls (1x) - Silver Medal
Raquell Bennett delivered exceptional performances across three days of racing, earning a silver medal in the single shell. Bennett demonstrated remarkable consistency, finishing just seconds behind first place while still maintaining a solid minute advantage over the rest of the field throughout the championship.
W1X Results:
• Time Trial: 2nd place (8:09.486)
• AB Semifinal: 1st place (9:01.439)
• Grand Final: 2nd place (8:26.000)
The grand final saw Bennett and St. Thomas finish within seconds of each other, with third place trailing significantly at 9:03 (Colorado State). Bennett’s silver medal performance highlighted both individual excellence and the program’s depth of talent.
Novice 4+ - Fifth Place Finish
The novice four with coxswain finished fifth at the national level in their first championship appearance, a remarkable achievement for first-year rowers competing against the country’s best programs.
Crew Lineup:
Coxswain: Celeste Reynoso
4-Seat: Ruby Bogonovich
3-Seat: Meghan Arendt
2-Seat: Lupita Nieto
Bow Seat: Mia Monsour
N4+ Results:
• Time Trial: 2nd place (7:45.009)
• AB Semifinal: 2nd place (8:05.378)
• Grand Final: 5th place (8:06.330)
The novice crew’s consistent times throughout the championship demonstrated the program’s strong foundation and bright future prospects.
Long Beach State’s women’s team finished the ACRA Championships with one national title, one silver medal, and one top-five finish across three competitive events. All three crews advanced through multiple rounds of racing to reach their respective grand finals, a testament to the program’s comprehensive turnaround. The results validate the dedication of the student-athletes, coaching staff, and support network that refused to let the program disappear.
Support Beach Crew
Donate here, help support the continued success of Long Beach State Women’s Crew. Your donation helps fund equipment, travel, and training opportunities that make championship performances possible!
Every contribution makes a difference in supporting student-athletes and keeping our program competitive at the national level. Join us in supporting these champions as they continue to represent Long Beach State with excellence on the water.
