May 24, 2006

GENEVA, N.Y.—For the third time in as many seasons, the Liberty League Women’s Crew Coaching Staff of the Year and Crew of the Year awards will reside at William Smith. The conference’s postseason honors were announced today and the Heron coaches and varsity eight claimed the top prizes.

Now in her fourth season, Head Coach Sandra Chu led the Herons to their second consecutive Liberty League Championship, besting the field by 12 points. At the New York State Championships, the Herons reached the grand finals of all three events they entered, winning the second varsity eight, placing in the varsity eight, and taking sixth in the novice eight. William Smith was ranked second in the NCAA regional rankings and 10th in the CRCA national coaches poll. Chu is assisted by Vanessa Sheehan.

The Heron varsity eight was named the Liberty League Boat of the Week four times this season. William Smith won the Liberty League Championship, enjoying a seven-second margin of victory over its nearest competitor. The Herons also turned in a strong showing at the New York State Championships, placing second behind defending national champion Ithaca. At the ECAC Championships, the Herons were the top Liberty League boat, placing sixth in the petite final (12th overall). Junior Nicole Balsamo (Newton Country Day/Centerville, Mass.), first-year Kenzie Cannon (Berkshire/Canaan, Conn.), sophomore Hannah Gallup (Holy Names/Alameda, Calif.), senior Rebecca Gutwin (Champlain Valley Union/Williston, Vt.), sophomore Jenn Kirst (Principia/Darien, Conn.), sophomore Jessica Mahon (Rhinebeck/Rhinebeck, N.Y.), first-year Kerry O’Neill (Brighton/Rochester, N.Y.), senior Frances Parsons (Hoosac School/Liverpool, N.Y.), and senior Edwina Wilson (Churchill/Westport, Conn.) comprise the No. 2 ranked varsity eight in the region.

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