March 24, 2007

GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith crew christened its newest shell, Evolution, prior to its spring opener and then brought home an open water victory in the new boat. The Herons hosted Rensselaer on the Seneca-Cayuga Canal today.

The Herons battled a stiff head current to win the varisty 8+ race. Kenzie Cannon, Hannah Gallup, Nicole Balsamo, Lucinda Keck, Lauren Brady, Christa Hibbard, Jessica Wojslaw, Anne Wakeman, and Michelle Dodge brought the Evolution home in 7:56.2, more than 18 seconds faster than the second place boat, the William Smith second varsity 8+. Rensselaer covered the 2-kilometer course in 9:30.3.

In the novice 8+ race, the Herons enjoyed an easy open-water win. Abbie DiPalma, Kirsten Cooper, Meghan Cox, Laura Valdmanis, Cristina Mulcahy, Becky Gosse, Katherine Faherty, Alexandra Bowers, and Catharine Patterson were victorious in 8:44.8. Rensselaer's top boat crossed the line in 9:38.0.

Head Coach Sandra Chu was very pleased with her team's season-opening effort.

"Even though the race was decided in the first 15 strokes, none of the boats gave quarter as they continued to lengthen their lead and maintain their strong technique. This is a great beginning for us and we look forward to bringing this great quality to the rest of our races."

William Smith is back on the water on March 31, when the Herons travel to Ithaca for a day of racing.

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