PARIS – The Olympics got underway for three of Wisconsin's four women's rowers on the first full day of competition early Saturday morning at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
 
Sophia Vitas became the first to compete and the first to advance to semifinal action when her women's double sculls took third in their heat. She rows with Kristi Wagner.
 
The American crew clocked 6:56.47 over 2000 meters, finishing behind heat winner New Zealand (6:51.68) and Great Britain (6:52.31).
 
In the women's quadruple sculls, Badgers Lauren O'Connor and Grace Joyce officially became Olympians with a fourth-place finish in their heat. Great Britain advanced to the final and won in 6:13.35, while Germany placed second in 6:15.28 to grab the second direct finals qualifying spot.
 
The U.S. will take on China, Switzerland, Romania and Australia in the repechage on Monday. The top two advance the A Final on Aug. 1.
 
UW's fourth women's rowing Olympian opens her action with her women's eight heat on Monday.