Oct. 13, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA--George Mason University's women's rowing team Novice Eight placed first at the Patriots own Occoquan Chase Regatta on Oct. 12 in Fairfax, VA on the Occoquan Reservoir.

The First Varsity Eight finished fifth, out of 16 boats, in the Open Eight category with a time of 16:38.0. The team comprised of coxswain-Nancy Irby, stroke-Laurel Sachleben, 7-Melissa Sanford, 6-Laura Craig, 5-Patricia Angelo, 4-Lindsay English, 3-Mary Gonnelli, 2-Liz Judge, bow-Megan Duvall.

The Second Varsity Eight placed 12th in the same Open Eight category as the Patriot's first boat, with a time of 17:26.0. The team comprised of coxswain-Jessica Dillman, stroke-Nicole Pierce, 7-Paige Beaudoin, 6-Kelly Bryan, 5-Kate Laczynski, 4-Lesley Topping, 3-Christina Piazza, 2-Marissa Olesen, bow-Terry Seal.

The Novice Eight finished first, out of nine boats, in the Novice Eight category (18:14.0). The team comprised of coxswain-Stefanie Paternostro, stroke-Brooke Hansen, 7-Anna Martin, 6-Jessica Barnes, 5-Sara Brann, 4-Michelle Tomlin, 3-Christi Scollin, 2-Shannon Darner, bow-Ann Reynolds.

"We expected the novices to win against this field and they delivered," said Rassam. "Their big test will come in two weeks at the Head of the Schuylkill."

Mason entered two boats into the Open Four category with Boat A finishing 12th, out of 19 boats, (19:27.0) and the team comprised of coxswain-Alissa Strousse, stroke-Summer King, 3-Amanda Scott, 2-Emma Abel, bow-Kathryn Rose. Boat B raced for the first time on Sunday to finish fourth (18:10.0) and the Patriots in this race were coxswain-Cristina Gonzalez, stroke-Melissa Sanford, 3-Laurel Sachleben, 2-Liz Judge, bow-Laura Craig.

The Novice Four took fourth place with a time of 22:05.0. The team comprised of coxswain Diane Rickey, stroke-Stephanie Sullivan, 3-Amanda Cole, 2-Melinda Scott, bow-Lindsay Bryant.

The Patriots will return to action on Oct. 18 when they travel to Boston, MA to compete in the Head of the Charles Regatta.