LUCERNE, Switzerland – For the second-straight year, former Washington State University rower, Lisa Roman, placed first, earning gold and capturing the yellow jersey, as part of Canada's women's eight crew at the 2015 World Cup III at Lucerne, Switzerland.
After racing the previous days for lanes, Canada was the team to beat in Sunday's final. The Canadian women's eight crew took an early lead in the race and never looked back, crossing the line in a time of 6:07.77, having held off a late charge by New Zealand. New Zealand finished second, less than two seconds behind at 6:09.11. Great Britain finished third to capture the bronze medal in a time of 6:10.460. Romania was fourth with a time of 6:11.740, followed by the Netherlands if fifth (6:15.550) and Australia in sixth (6:15.950).
A native of Langley, British Columbia, Roman was joined in the boat by Cristy Nurse (Georgetown, Ontario), Susanne Grainger (London, Ontario), Jennifer Martins (Toronto, Ontario), Christine Roper (Montego Bay, Jamaica), Ashley Brzozowicz (Toronto, Ontario), Natalie Mastracci (Thorold, Ontario), Lauren Wilkinson (North Vancouver, British Columbia) and coxswain Lesley Thompson-Willie (London, Ontario).
A transfer from University of the Fraser Valley, Roman competed with the Cougar varsity rowing team for three seasons, rowing in the varsity boat all three years (2010-12). She is a two-time all-conference honoree, and in 2012 was named to the CRCA All-West Region First Team and the Pocock All-America Second Team. Last season she also competed in national competition as a member of Canada's women's eight boat, capturing silver at World Rowing Cup II and gold at World Rowing Cup III, as well as silver at the 2014 World Rowing Championships. In 2013 she rowed with Canada's Western Rowing Club at the Henley Royal Regatta and in 2011 she represented Canada at the Under-23 World Rowing Championships.
The Canadian team captured second at 2015 World Cup II at Varese, Italy in June of this year, finishing behind the United States. The team will now return to Canada for final preparations before the 2015 World Rowing Championships starting on August 30 in Aiguebelette, France.