Nov. 3, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA--George Mason University's rowing team ended the fall season with strong showings by all boats at the Head of the Occoquan Regatta in Fairfax, VA on the Occoquan Reservoir Nov. 1.

The First Varsity Eight placed seventh in the Championship category with a time of 17:08. The team was comprised of coxswain-Jessica Dillman, stroke-Laurel Sachleben, 7-Melissa Sanford, 6-Nicole Pierce, 5-Patricia Angelo, 4-Laura Craig, 3-Mary Gonnelli, 2-Lindsay English, bow-Megan Duvall.

The Second Varsity Eight finished first in the Club Eight race (18:01), 12 seconds ahead of Army Crew, which placed second. The Patriots team was comprised of coxswain-Nancy Irby, stroke-Liz Judge, 7-Paige Beaudoin, 6-Kelly Bryan, 5-Emma Abel, 4-Lesley Topping, 3-Christina Piazza, 2-Marissa Olesen, bow-Terry Seal.

"I thought it was a particulary good way for the Second Sarsity Eight to finish the fall season, especially for senior Lesley Topping who raced for the last time as part of our team on Saturday," said head coach Paul Rassam.

The First Novice Eight finished fourth, out of 29 boats, in the Novice Eight category with a time of 18:06, which was 20 seconds ahead of the next boat. Competing in the same event, the Second Novice Eight finished 15th (20:10).

"The novice athletes are a talented group which has shown a lot of progress throughout the fall and with the proper training over the winter they could be a force to reckon with come spring," said Rassam.

The Varsity Four crossed the finish line in 18:54 for a second place finish in the Open Four with Coxswain category, only two seconds behind the Alexandria Rowing Club. The Mason team was comprised of coxswain-Alissa Stousse, stroke-Cristina Gonzalez, 3-Amanda Scott, 2-Summer King, bow-Kathryn Rose.

"The continued success of the Varsity Four boat boads well for our lightweight in the spring as they could potentially be dominate since they have competed well against heavyweight boats this fall season," said Rassam.

With the Head of the Occoquan Regatta closing out the season, the Patriots will train indoors until warm weather returns with the spring.