BOSTON, Mass. - The Catholic men's rowing varsity eight has been ranked No. 13 in the Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association/Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRCA/IRA) Week 1 Poll.

The IRCA/IRA Poll ranks the Top 15 DIII varsity 8+s throughout the season. To determine the standings, the A&P committee has selected twelve D1/D2 pollsters, six D3 heavyweight pollsters, and eleven lightweight pollsters from across the nation, representing every region and division in Men's Collegiate Rowing.

Previously sitting at No. 15, the Cardinals climbed two spot in the first poll with the season underway. The squad was awarded 15 points to move ahead of Milwaukee School of Engineering (7) and St. Lawrence University (6) who round out the list. Trinity College commanded the top spot with 88 points followed by Williams College at No. 2 (85) and Wesleyan University at No. 3 (78).

Catholic extends its streak to four consecutives seasons with at least one week in the top-15. Since 2022, the Cardinals have been ranked to start the season three times and have made it as high as No. 10 once during spring action.

The team, under the leadership of head coach Katie O'Driscoll, assistant coaches Declan Waters and Stephen Lindeman, and volunteer assistants Katie Chmielewski and Jack Shields, will compete in three regattas in hopes of qualifying for the IRA National Championships at the end of May.

First up, the Cardinals will travel to Cherry Hill, N.J. for the Knecht Cup this weekend.