FAIRFAX STATION, Va. – The George Mason University women's rowing team completed its fall slate of racing on Saturday at the annual Head of the Occoquan on the programs's home waters in Sandy Run Regional Park.
 
"It was a good day on the water," head coach Joseph Richards said. "We had the opportunity to honor alumna Melissa Rice by dedicating our new eight to her. In addition, our novice group had the chance to race for the first time. There is a lot of promise in that group. We laid a good foundation this fall. I think the team is excited to build on that foundation this winter."
 
The Patriots' Varsity 8+ boat led the charge on Saturday with a strong seventh place finish amongst 17 boats. George Mason crossed the finish line in 18:28.04, ahead of crews from West Virginia, Robert Morris, Loyola (Md.) and more.
 
George Mason's Second Varsity 8+ earned an eighth place showing in its outing, finishing the race in 20:35.83. That placed the Green & Gold ahead of boats from Loyola (Md.) and George Washington.
 
The Patriot Varsity 4+ boat finished 11^th out of 22 crews in in 20:40.24, while the Second Varsity 4+ was 18^th in 22:49.22.
 
As Coach Richards mentioned, Saturday also provided an opportunity for the team's novice boats to get their first taste of collegiate competition.
 
The Green & Gold's Novice 4+ finished in the top half of its competition while the Novice 8+ finished 10^th in its regatta (24:29.55). The Novice 4+ placed ahead of crews from Loyola (Md.) and George Washington. Meanwhile, the JV 4+ was 11^th in 23:19.86.
 
George Mason will resume competition during its spring season in 2026.