ROCHESTER — Gia Doonan, a Rochester native and Tabor Academy graduate, rowed with team USA in the second heat of Women’s Eight rowing qualifiers on Friday, July 23.

Team USA finished first in its heat against rowing teams from Romania and Australia, meaning that the US Women's Eight team will advance directly to the final — scheduled for Thursday, July 29 at 9:05 p.m.

Overall the US Eight team had the third fastest time when counting both heats, with a time of 6:08.69. Leading the first heat was New Zealand with a time of 6:07.65, meaning its team will also advance.

Despite finishing with a time of 6:07.97, the Canadian team lost to New Zealand in its heat and will have to compete in the repechage event with the other remaining teams in order to qualify for the final.

You can watch a replay of the qualification event on NBC Sports (https://www.nbcolympics.com/videos/us-womens-eight-advances-final-shot-defend-gold).