FAIRFAX, Va. – DMV residents across the Beltway were relieved to find out the recent cold and snow had not damaged the spring's emerging cherry blossoms.
 
Those feelings of relief and excitement were echoed by George Mason rowing head coach Ted Nagorsen, who witnessed a strong start for his Patriots Saturday despite battling frigid training conditions for much of the week.
 
Mason performed well at their Philadelphia kickoff race, highlighted by a Varsity 8+ victory on a cold and misty afternoon.
 
On the waters of the Schuylkill River, Mason's Varsity 8+ battled La Salle and emerged with a winning formula. The Patriots and Explorers fought neck and neck for the first 700 meters, but from there, Mason exerted its will.
 
Under the direction of freshman coxswain Shelby Rein, the Green & Gold finished in 7:09.28, more than 15 seconds ahead of the host Explorers (7:24.78)
 
"We were able to put together a solid performance in the second half of the race," Nagorsen said. "At the beginning of the season, finishing strong can be a difficult task. To see us perform well in the back half is certainly a good sign and I'm excited about our effort today."
 
Mason's second Varsity 8+ took on Drexel's 3 boat and its freshman boat. The Patriots hung with the Dragons for much of the race and were within striking distance after 1000 meters. At race's conclusion, the Drexel 3 wrapped up in 7:16:09, while Mason placed in 7:27.71. The Drexel freshman boat completed its race in 7:54.52.
 
"The second Varsity 8+ had a very good row considering the difficult week we faced," Nagorsen added. "For the first race of the year, it was great to see how our program stacked up against an A-10 school and a good Philadelphia program. In these cold and difficult conditions, we performed well. Now we can get back to work, get our gears in order, and prepare for Old Dominion next weekend."
 
The Patriots will race the Monarchs in an exhibition row next Saturday (March 25) in Norfolk, Va.
 
PHILADELPHIA KICK-OFF RESULTS (39 degrees, misty and cold)
 
GEORGE MASON VARSITY 8
Bow – Anne Graf
2 – Natalie Sebastian
3 – Anna Close
4  - Megan Gooding
5 – Caitlin Mahoney
6 – Elizabeth Rush
7 – Taylor Williams
Stroke – Maria Justiniano
Cox – Shelby Rein
 
GEORGE MASON SECOND VARSITY 8
Bow – Emily Holt
2 – Julia O'Donnell
3 – Emma Evans
4 – Brianna Burke
5 – Alexandra Williams
6 – Elizabeth Johnson
7 – Lauren Parsons
Stroke – Nicole Van Oort
Cox – Kathleen Lackatose