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Herons sweep Union, Vassar, Skidmore after league championship cancelled
April 23, 2005
SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—Due to high winds and life-threatening water conditions in Canton, N.Y., the William Smith College crew team didn’t get a chance to defend its 2004 title as the second annual Liberty League Rowing Championships at St. Lawrence University were cancelled.
Foiled by bad weather, the Herons rallied and agreed to abandon plans to race in Canton and loaded up their equipment and headed to Schenectady, where they dominated Vassar, Skidmore and Union.
“I am so proud of the team for handling a very disappointing morning,” Head Coach Sandra Chu said. “Not only was the team able to pack up, move to a new venue four hours away, but also they were able to maintain their focus and racing composure. Each boat put in excellent performances, improving upon past races and putting into play some new strategies that we had been developing in the week. The success we had today puts us in a strong position as we head to the New York State Championship next weekend.”
On Union’s home course, the Herons ruled the roost. Completing an undefeated season, the first novice eight of coxswain Julie Kozarsky, Jenn Kirst, Jess Wojslaw, Lucinda Keck, Megan Seiter, Hannah Gallup, Cristina Mulcahy, Cate Elgert, and Whitney Hayre swept its race with a time of 7:02, eight seconds ahead of runner-up Skidmore. Vassar followed at 7:13 and Union placed fourth in 7:34.
The varsity eight came down the course next, defeating rival Vassar and Union. William Smith’s crew of coxswain Mandy Lassell, Jessica Mahon, Laura Batchelor, Cassie Priest, Edwina Wilson, Courtney Cioffredi, Nicole Balsamo, Liz Staino, and Lauren Brady crossed the line at 6:37. Vassar came in next at 6:42, while Union was third at 6:45.
The second varsity eight comprised of cox Sunny Lord, Sarah Powell, Susie Tarrant, Kat Loddengaard, Megan Hyland, Kacy Cerasoli, Carrie Miller, Sarah Loomis, and Michelle Dodge also competed in this race since no other team had a 2V boat to race. They covered the 1800-meter course in 6:53.
Ranked fourth in the state, William Smith hits the water again on April 30, at Whitney Point for the New York State Championships.