WHO: Women's Rowing at Occoquan Chase
WHERE: Occoquan Reservoir, Sandy Run Regional Park
WHEN: Sunday, October 16, 2016
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FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University's women's rowing team set the pace and grabbed the first and second places in the Varsity 8+ event of the Occoquan Chase on Sunday.

Racing without competition in the event, Mason's A boat with freshman coxswain Shelby Rein and No. 6 position rower Maria Justiniano led the way at the Occoquan Reservoir and covered the distance in 19:13.88. The B boat, composed primarily of newcomers, crossed the finish line in 21:17.99.

"It was a good showing for Mason as a team," head coach Ted Nagorsen said. "We did not have the competition we were hoping for but allowed us to test ourselves for Head of the Charles. Across the board we saw positive changes in all the boats and are looking forward to race again soon."

In contrast, the Patriots' final boat of the day competed in the Varsity 4+ event and faced tough competition and finished sixth with a time of 24:49.71. TBC Racing led the way with 20:23.28, followed by Capital Rowing Club (21:25.01) and VCU Crew Club (21:38.50) to round off the top three. Sophomore Jordan Latham at stroke was the only returner in the boat, which had three freshmen in it: Kasey Ello at bow, Hollis Grigsby at the No. 2 position, Lauren Parsons as No. 3, and Rein at cox.

Varsity 8+ results:

1.    George Mason University 8A – 19:13.88

2.    George Mason University 8B – 21:17.99

Varsity 4+ results:

1.    TBC Racing – 20:23.28

2.    Capital Rowing Club – 21:25.01

3.    VCU Crew Club – 21:38.50

4.    Virginia Tech Crew – 22:59.04

5.    VCU Crew Club – 23:59.39

6.    George Mason University – 24:49.71

NEXT IN THE WATER

Mason will head to Massachusetts next weekend to participate in the two-day Head of the Charles Regatta, one of the highlights of the intercollegiate rowing schedule.