Oct. 20, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA--George Mason University's women's rowing team competed in the Head of the Charles, the world's most famous regatta, on the Charles River in Boston, MA, on Oct. 18.

After tangling oars with the University of Toronto on several occasions, the First Varsity Eight was knocked from 27th (18:37) to 41st place (19:37) after a one-minute penalty was enforced. The Mason team comprised of coxswain-Jessica Dillman, 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 course was very difficult," said head coach Paul Rassam. "The coxswain did the best she could considering her experience and the team put in a decent time considering the setbacks."

The Head of the Charles is the largest regatta in the world and is well known in the sport of rowing. Thousands of spectators were on hand to view national, international, collegiate and club teams compete this past weekend.

The Patriots will return to action on Oct.25 when they travel to Philadelphia, PA, for the Head of the Schuylkill.