Oct. 20, 2002

BOSTON, MA... Competing at the Collegiate Eight level in Saturday's Head of the Charles race in Boston proved challenging for the Mason women's rowing team, it finished 27th out of 35 boats in a time of 18:41, but it was a challenge head coach Paul Rassam felt his team needed to face.

"I feel like we should be racing the best, so we made the switch," said Rassam, whose team had competed in the Club Eight level in previous years at the event. "The Collegiate Eight is strictly all colleges and there were some of the best in the country competing this weekend."

Facing adverse conditions, brought on by a strong wind, the Patriots started out strong, but were unable to maintain their initial pace.

"During the first half of the race we were in a position to do very well, but in the second half the conditions just got the better of us," said Rassam. "We became a bit unhinged." Up next for the team is a trip to Philadelphia for the Head of the Schuylkill event.

"They continue to learn a lot from each race," Rassam said. "And I expect them to bounce back strong this weekend."

Those competing this past weekend were:
Coxswain-Annmarie Fitzpatrick
8-Laurel Sachleben
7-Melissa Sanford
6-Lindsey English
5-Patricia Angelo
4-Laura Craig
3-Ally Chewning
2-Liz Judge
1-Meia Raboteau