Tennessee rowing wins first SEC championship in program history

Tennessee rowing won the program's first SEC championship in a thrilling finish on Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge. The title came down to the final race with the varsity eight boat, which had the lead against Texas going into the final 250 meters. The Longhorns made a late push to overtake the Lady Vols, but the 1V8 crew held on for the victory to secure the SEC championship on May 10.

Tennessee narrowly beat Texas 79-75 to win the title. It's the first time the Lady Vols have won a conference championship since 2013 when they were a member of Conference USA. The program's first SEC title comes in the third season under coach Kim Cupini, who has transformed Tennessee into a national powerhouse.

"Phenomenal to see that from the team", Cupini said in a school release. "Texas coming in was the number one team in the country and had that undefeated eight. So to see the varsity eight clinch like that was awesome.

I have to take my hat off to the full team to get enough points to win the SEC Championship and bring that championship home, especially here at home in Tennessee. So, I was super impressed and super proud of them. " Tennessee moves on to the NCAA Championships at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Georgia, from May 29-31.