OVERPECK PARK, N.J. - The Mercyhurst University men's rowing lightweights competed against Columbia University on Sunday as the Lakers continued their early season racing schedule. The competition was considered a scrimmage due to Ivy League rules.

Each race was 2,000 meters in length with a ten mile-per-hour tailwind, crossing from the starboard side.

Three varsity races took place with Columbia defeating Mercyhurst in all three events.

In the varsity eight, the Lions defeated the Lakers 5:54.9 to 6:10.1. The Mercyhurst boat was comprised of Jeffrey Thiede, Xavier Alexander, Milos Veres, David Cullmer, Jonathan Blazevic, Marcin Osajda, Jeff Murt, Kevon Bridges, and Zack Pappas.

The second varsity boat, made up of Ryan Baniszewski, Gary Loo, Amel Younis, Ben Urbanowski, Blaze Kelly, Juan Avila, Xavier Stanish, Jake Lennon, and Doug Riethmuller, also came up short in the second race of the morning. The Lions defeated the Lakers 6:07.7 to 6:23.0.

The closest race of the day came in the third varsity race, where the Lakers fell short 6:27.0 to 6:37.3. Mercyhurst's third boat featured Mitchell Fairer, Aaron Dowd, Alexander Walters, Nate Gervais, Connor Moran, Cornell Juliano, Jason Huang, Harrison Kieffer, and Elliott Baker.

"Thanks to Columbia for hosting us for these scrimmage pieces," commented Mercyhurst head coach Adrian Spracklen. "The guys have gained a lot of experience this weekend and we hope to turn that in to boat speed through the course of the spring."

Mercyhurst will compete in the Knecht Cup in Camden, N.J. next Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14.