April 26, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA...The George Mason women's rowing team finished second overall at the Kerr Cup/CAA Regatta, held this past Saturday in Philadelphia.

The Varsity Lightweight Four won the Open division race, while the Varsity Eight, Second Varsity Eight and Novice Eight all finished third in their respective categories.

"This field was very competitive, so we're happy to have put together such a solid team performance," said head coach Paul Rassam. "Our emphasis all year has been for us to have a strong overall program, not just a few fast boats, and I believe we showed that Saturday."

The Varsity Lightweight Four of coxswain Nancy Irby, 4: Meia Raboteau, 3: Megan Duvall, 2: Cristina Gonzalez and 1: Amanda Scott won their race by more than seven seconds over second-place Delaware.

The Varsity Eight -- coxswain Annmarie Fitzpatrick, 8: Laurel Sachleben, 7: Ally Chewning, 6: Patricia Angelo, 5: Lindsay English, 4: Melissa Sanford, 3: Laura Craig, 2: Paige Beaudion and 1: Liz Judge -- finished their race in 6:51.1, while the Second Varsity Eight -- coxswain: Irby, 8: Raboteau, 7: Duvall, 6: Kelly Bryan, 5: Lesley Topping, 4: Michelle LeBlanc, 3: Christina Piazza, 2: Gonzalez, 1: Scott - finished in 7:15.4.

In novice action, Mason's eight of coxswain Candace Mauerhan, 8: Nicole Pierce, 7: Summer King, 6: Terry Seal, 5: Kelly Bryan, 4: Kathryn Rose, 3: Marissa Olesen, 2: Leanne Creger and 1: Jenny Welfare finished in 7:11.9.

George Mason competes in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Championships, which will be held on the team's home water, this Sunday.

"I feel we're in a strong position right now," said Rassam. "But we need to do some sharpening this weekend at the Mid-Atlantics in preparation for the upcoming Dad Vail Regatta."