CLEMSON, S.C. – The University of Miami rowing team closed out the 2021 season at the ACC Championship Finals on Saturday, finishing sixth in the final team standings for its best finish at the championship since 2014.

Senior Marilou Chardin earned a spot on the All-ACC Second Team after helping her boat to a fifth-place finish in the 1v8 Grand Final.

“Today was an important day for Miami rowing and a huge step forward for the program,” head coach Dave Sanderson said. “There were many times during the season when we were unsure if we would even have a season, so it is sort of unbelievable that we are here. I am even more proud of the team for having such a good end to the season today given all of the obstacles they had to face this year.”

The 3v8 was the first boat in the water for the Canes, finishing in sixth place in the Grand Final with a time of 7:26.761. In the 1v4 Petite Final, Miami crossed the finish line in a time of 8:07.091, good for a second-place finish in the race.

The Canes’ 2v8 also recorded a sixth-place finish in their Grand Final race, while the 1v8 posted the best showing of the morning, taking home fifth in the first varsity eight Grand Final.

“To have the varsity eight boats not only make the grand final, but also to be in the race is a huge step forward for our program,” Sanderson said. “The 1v8 had a fantastic final race to end the regular season, sitting in the middle of the pack and finishing ahead of Notre Dame. The 2v8 raced so they had a chance toward the end of the 2,000 meters and did exactly what we asked of them.”

Saturday’s race marked the first time since the Canes joined the ACC in 2004 that Miami placed all three varsity eight boats in the Grand Final.

“I want to give a huge thanks to our coaches and staff that made this season happen,” Sanderson said. “From our assistant coaches and boatman to our athletic trainer and sport supervisor, it truly took everyone to get to this point. I also want to congratulate all the crews from other schools that worked hard to make it to this day. It really is an accomplishment.”