September 29, 2006

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—Despite cold temperatures and, at times, torrential rain, the William Smith crew showed its depth with a a strong showing in the Head of the Fish Regatta. The varsity 8+ placed fourth in the open varsity 8+ race and the second varsity 8+ won the JV open 8+ race.

The second varsity eight finished with a time of 12:09.08 over the shortened course, more than 14 seconds ahead of second place finisher, UMass. The Herons rowed a decisive, aggressive race with excellent rhythm. The Herons flew past Colgate, Vermont, St. Lawrence, Wesleyan, and Rensselaer.

“They just kept opening the gap between themselves and the boats behind them,” Head Coach Sandra Chu said. “I think they were able to put into play everything we have been focusing on this season and everyone in the boat contributed to their very impressive speed.”

The second varsity eight included Alexandra Bowers, Kenzie Cannon, Michelle Dodge, Becky Gosse, Christa Hibbard, Kathryn Loddengaard, Emily Maguire, Cristina Mulcahy, and Jess Wojslaw.

In the varsity eight, William Smith passed three boats and was able to take its race plan to its most aggressive level. The Herons finished fourth out of 22 boats (11:49.83), 10 seconds behind second place finisher Williams. UMass was first (11:34.79) and Colgate was third (11:43.99). William Smith defeated seven other Division III boats and also took down Division I Syracuse.

“This was the most commanding row they’ve had this year,” Chu said. “They were explosive at every moment, able to adjust to the challenges of the wind with ease, and to search for more speed at every opportunity.”

The varsity eight was powered by Nicole Balsamo, Lauren Brady, Hannah Gallup, Lucinda Keck, Jenn Kirst, Julie Kozarksy, Jessica Mahon, Kerry O’Neill, and Anne Wakeman.

In novice racing, the Herons also showed good speed. The novice eight of Abbie DiPalma, Jamie Billington, Megan Andrews, Kirsten Cooper, Meghan Cox, Rachel MacElhenney, Megan Schmidt, Laura Valdmanis, and Kristen Yerkie finished 11th out of 31 boats, beating 15 other A-ranked boats and placing fifth out 12 Division III boats. The second novice four of Daisy Bird, Abrielle Hughes, Katherine Perri, Jamie Rasmussen, and Jessica Thompson placed ninth out of 27 boats, defeating 12 other A-ranked boats and finishing fifth out of 17 Division III boats.

“I’ve been really impressed with how this team has come together in the past few weeks,” Chu said. “Assistant Coach Kristina Latta-Landefeld’s direction has produced a feisty squad with good mechanics. These women are building a strong foundation for the future of our team.

“The second novice eight’s result shows the depth of the novice program. They also were able to execute everything they learned this season and we have both Coach Latta and Volunteer Assistant Ford Weiskittel to thank for this.”

The Head of the Fish is the final event of the fall season for the Herons.

“Overall, this fall has been a tremendous one for the team,” Chu concluded. “Their independence and ownership of their speed has translated into a real championship attitude. I’m looking forward to the spring season already.”

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