March 30, 2004

Shamokin Dam, PA-George Mason University's women's rowing team began its spring racing season against Bucknell University and Army, Sat., March 27, on the Susquehanna River in Shamokin Dam, PA.

After leading the majority of the race, the Patriot's first varsity eight fell to Bucknell's lightweight eight in the second half, finishing second by six seconds with a time of 6:37. Mason's boat was comprised of coxswain-Jessica Dillman, stroke-Laurel Sachleben, 7-Melissa Sanford, 6-Lindsay English, 5-Paige Beaudoin, 4-Laura Craig, 3-Liz Judge, 2-Nicole Pierce, and bow-Kelly Bryan.

"I think our varsity eight rowed a decent race, but the poise of Bucknell's lightweights showed us why they won the Dad Vail Championships last year," said head coach Paul Rassam. "Hats off to them for being able to pull us back like that."

The second varsity eight also placed second, finishing 12 seconds behind Bucknell. The boat was comprised of coxswain-Nancy Irby, stroke-Megan Duvall, 7-Christina Gonzalez, 6-Trish Angelo, 5-Christina Piazza, 4-Summer King, 3-Amanda Scott, 2-Marissa Olesen, and bow-Terry Seal.

The first novice eight crossed the finish line behind Bucknell in 7:09. The boat included coxswain-Lee Ann Fisher, 8-Brooke Hansen, 7-Lynn Concepcion, 6-Jessica Barnes, 5-Anna Martin, 4-Eva Critz, 3-Sarah Brann, 2-Melinda Scott, and bow-Lydia Wheeler.

After leading the majority of the race, a "crab" brought the second novice eight to a halt within sight of the finish line. They resumed the race, edging out Bucknell for a first place finish (7:09). The boat line-up was coxswain-Christina Friend, 8-Christiana Scollin, 7-Amanda Cole, 6-Jenni Kalis, 5-Meghan Robinson, 4-Erin Finnerty, 3-Amanda Koury, 2-Angela Chen, and bow-Ann Reynolds.

"The second novice eight had a very eventful race," said Rassam. "They showed a lot of fire in pulling back the victory and it was a great way for them to start the season."

The Patriots will return to action on April 4 at their own Occoquan Sprints in Fairfax, VA.