The men’s crew kicked off its 2009 season against Hobart College, Marist College and Division I powerhouse Cornell University on Saturday at the Cayuga Inlet.

The second varsity 8 placed first in the petite final, fending off a last-minute push by Hobart.

“For the second varsity we definitely had very strong starts,” sophomore stroke seat Alejandro Guardina said. “We stayed very together and in the beginning of the race we pulled ahead. Also, on this last race with Hobart and Marist we had a really good finish.”

The third varsity 8 placed third in the grand final.

Head Coach Dan Robinson said the second and third varsity’s victories over Hobart were big wins for the team because the Bombers often face close competition with the Statesmen in the race for the state title.

The varsity and novice 8 boats each took third in the petite final. Senior coxswain Clint Weigl said the varsity 8 rowers found their greatest strength in their aggressiveness, but they failed to carry that drive from the morning to the afternoon race.

“Next week we’re definitely going to come more aggressive,” Weigl said. “We have the training, and I’m sure that we’re ready to use that.”

The Bombers will face Rochester Institute of Technology, Skidmore College and the University of Rochester at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Cayuga Inlet.