Local rowing athletes with the Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association had a strong showing at the Northwest Regional Championship Regatta May 18-20 in Vancouver, Wa., coaches said, with OPRA juniors combining for six finals berths in 14 events.

The regatta started off well for OPRA, with Nathan Mishler placing second in his 1x (single) race to advance to the May 19 final. The only high school junior in the finals, he missed a bronze medal (third) by about 0.3 of a second. Still, his performance was strong enough to earn him a spot at Nationals in June.

Lica Kennedy and Lisa Martin proved to be tough competitors as well, winning the bronze medal in the Girl’s Novice 2x (double).

Several OPRA 1x scullers posted their fastest times in their events, including novices Kennedy and Ella Ventura who placed third and fourth in their heats, respectively.

The Men’s JV 2x (double), with Tyler Turner and Jake McGovern, posted a fast time coming in a close fourth and just missed advancing to finals.

Varsity rower Emily Sirguy placed first in her heat for the Women 2nd Varsity 1x (single) and advanced to finals.

Sirguy also finished with a personal best time in the JV 1x (single) placing fifth in her race.

Novices Harrison Fulton and Zachary Gavin raced in two back-to-back events, posting fast times and showing the strength and determination needed for rising varsity athletes, coaches said.

Their efforts saw the OPRA post its best collective finish at this regatta, coaches said.