CHICAGO, IL (October 2, 2011) – The North Park women's rowing team finished second at their own home race, the North Shore Challenge, in Skokie Sunday morning.

North Park's varsity eight team boat took second to Northwestern University, just missing a victory by less than a second, finishing with a time of 9:28.29. The Vikings' varsity four finished third with a time of 11:26.52.

“It was a great way to open our non-traditional season,” said North Park head coach Allison Koubsky. “The ladies have been working hard in the preseason and this was a testament to their efforts.”

It was also the first time in NP rowing history that the Vikings fielded four novice 4 boats. With one of the largest squads in the history of the program, and the largest under Koubsky, the Vikings showed that this year will be a strong one for the spring season.

North Park wraps up the 2011 season this weekend when it travels to Moline and Rockford Illinois for the Quad Cities Classic and the Head of the Rock Regatta.