October 14, 2006

GENEVA, N.Y.—In the inaugural HWS Challenge on the Canal, the William Smith crew dominated the varsity 8+ and varsity 4+ races.

In the first event of the day, the varsity 4+, the Herons finished first and second, defeating both of Hamilton’s entries and a boat from St. Lawrence. Lucinda Keck, Jenn Kirst, Julie Kozarsky, Jessica Mahon, and Kerry O’Neill posted a winning time of 18:56, 21 seconds ahead of William Smith’s second entry and 25 seconds in front of Hamilton’s fastest entry in third place.

“Both fours showed a lot of command over the course today,” Head Coach Sandra Chu said. “They were highly comfortable and aggressive in heavy wind conditions. The B four, which is close to our Charles line-up, has been making some great technical changes over the past two weeks and we used this opportunity to prepare for next week’s race.”

In the women’s varsity 8+ race, the Herons led from the first stroke and never looked back. Nicole Balsamo, Lauren Brady, Hannah Gallup, Lucinda Keck, Jenn Kirst, Julie Kozarsky, Jessica Mahon, Kerry O’Neill, and Anne Wakeman crossed the finish line 41 seconds ahead of their nearest competition.

“This boat was clearly determined to look for speed on every stroke, Chu said. “They had a 30-second lead by the 1,500-meter mark and kept trying to open that up as they went down the course. They were technically sound and improved upon last week’s race by being longer through the second half of the stroke.”

After a scratch by St. Lawrence left the 2V with no opponents, they were moved to the 1V event. But, facing some scheduling and equipment issues, they actually went down the course against the men’s varsity 4+s. Undeterred, the 2V used this new competition to push themselves. Blocked by a boat in this event which refused to yield, the Herons actually had to take a 75 percent pressure stroke to stay out of danger. This was not a problem for the Herons and they pressed on with great composure.

“They produced a lot of power, which kept their time close to Hamilton and St. Lawrence’s 1Vs,” Chu said. “Considering the fact that they were not racing in their event and they had some dicey conditions, these Herons showed true grit.”

In the novice 8+ race, William Smith fell to St. Lawrence but prevailed over Rochester’s B boat. The novice fours also were defeated by St. Lawrence.

“Overall we had a great day,” Chu said. “We loved hosting the event and hope to see many Challenges to come.”

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