Minnesota’s women’s rowing team earned its first-ever weekly conference award Monday, being named the Big Ten Boat of the Week. The first Varsity Eight team defeated Wisconsin and 18th-ranked Iowa at Big Ten Racing in Iowa City, Iowa, on Saturday.

Minnesota claimed a victory in the morning session against Wisconsin, clocking a finish time of 7:03.88 to the Badgers’ 7:05.30. The first Varsity Eight then went on to defeat the 18th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes in the afternoon session by a mere 6:59.95 to Iowa’s 7:00.93. The boat consisted of coxswain Libby Sharrow, Beth Hornby, Melissa Roche, Heidi Rose, Erin Streff, Shelley Miller, Jill Peters, Jackie Gagner and Amber Riopel.

It is the first time that the Gophers have earned Big Ten Boat of the Week honors since the sport began last season. The Gophers, who have received votes in the past two U.S. rowing polls, hope to break into the rankings this week. The rowing polls are announced every Wednesday afternoon.

Minnesota’s next competition comes April 27, when the Gophers travel to the Midwest Sprints, hosted by Wisconsin. On May 4, the Gophers participate in the Big Ten Championships, hosted by Michigan State.