FAIRFAX STATION, Va. (Men’s Rowing) – Racing for the first time since its silver medal finish at the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta last spring, Florida Tech’s varsity eight won the men’s open eight at the Occoquan Chase with a time of 15:34.42 on Sunday.

The Panthers’ time was nearly 30 seconds faster than the second-best time, recorded by George Washington University at 16:03.99. A second George Washington boat rounded out the top three teams at 16:28.43. In all, 13 boats competed in the event.

“We raced efficiently and professionally,” assistant coach Casey Dalal said. “All eight rowers felt very comfortable going into the race and showed that they were well prepared. Our coxswain Jessica (Mellinger) did a fantastic job on the course and was a major contributor to the success of this race. We look forward to continued improvement and racing again in two weeks at the Princeton Chase.”

Powering FIT to its first win of the fall season was coxswain Jessica Mellinger, stroke Jonas Karalius, Ernestas Zarskis, Troy Toggweiler, Mindaugas Beliauskas, Plamen Ivanov, John Martin, Frank Campione and bow Alec Bertossa.

The Panthers will return to the water for their next race, the Princeton Three-Mile Chase in Princeton, N.J., on Sunday, Oct. 28.