Oct. 7, 2003

PITTSBURGH, PA--George Mason University's women's rowing team competed in its second race of the fall season at the Head of the Ohio Regatta on the Ohio River Oct. 4.

The First Varsity Eight posted the fourth fastest time in the Club Eight category, but finished the 5,000-meter race in eighth out of 29 boats, after a 30 second penalty was assessed due to an arch violation. The Patriot team comprised of coxswain-Nancy Irby, stroke-Laurel Sachleben, 7-Melissa Sanford, 6-Laura Criag, 5-Patricia Angelo, 4-Lindsay English, 3-Mary Gonelli, 2-Liz Judge, 1-Megan Duvall.

"I was disappointed by the penalty that was given to The First Varsity Eight, but the boat showed very good speed throughout the race," said head coach Paul Rassam.

The Second Varsity Eight, which also competed in the Club Eight category, ended with a time of 16:23.0 for a 16th place finish. Mason's 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, 1-Terry Seal.

The First Varsity Four raced in the Club Fours category and registered a time of 18:54.0 to finish 16th out of 29 boats. The Patriot team comprised of coxswain-Alissa Strousse, stroke-Summer King, 3-Amanda Scott, 2-Emma Abel, 1-Kathryn Rose.

Mason's Novice Eight competed in the Women's Youth category and placed 21st, out of 29, with a time of 17:39.0. GMU's team comprised of coxswain-Diane Rickey, stroke-Brooke Hansen, 7-Anna Martin, 6-Michelle Tomlin, 5-Sara Brann, 4-Jessica Barnes, 3-Amanda Cole, 2-Erin Finnerty, 1-Ann Reynolds.

"The novice group competed well considering the limited water time," said Rassam. "This boat has a lot of potential and we should see some big things from them as this season unfolds."

The Patriots will return to action on Oct. 12 for their own Occoquan Chase in Fairfax, VA.