April 25, 2005

Philadelphia, Pa.--The George Mason women's rowing team participated in the CAA Championship (Kerr Cup) this past weekend, rowing two boats, a varsity 8 and 2nd varsity 8, in Philadelphia, Pa.

The varsity 8 rowed their boat to a third place finish with a time of 7:02.7. Drexel won the Kerr Cup with a first place finish in 6:48.0 and Delaware finished ahead of the Patriots coming in at 6:57.8.

"I was very pleased with the Varsity 8 performance," said Head Coach Geoff Dillard. "We worked on their intensity and focus all week in practice, and Saturday they were able to maintain their boat speed for the second 1000m, something we haven't been able to accomplish in our first few races."

Drexel and Delaware finished in the same positions in the 2nd varsity 8 as well with times of 7:35.0 and 7:41.4 respectively. Mason's 2nd varsity 8 finished in a time of 7:52.5 and placed third.

"After a good week of practice leading up to Saturday, I expected the 2nd Varsity 8 to be more competitive in their race," said Dillard. "We need to concentrate more on our race day composure and we will have more success in competitions."

Up next for women's rowing is the Bucknell Invite in Shamokin Dam, Pa. on Saturday.

Results:
Varsity Eights:
1. Drexel - 6:48.0
2. Delaware - 6:57.8
3. George Mason - 7:02.7
4. William & Mary - 7:07.2
Second Varsity Eights:
1. Drexel - 7:35.0
2. Delaware - 7:41.4
3. George Mason - 7:52.5