October 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shannon Houlihan
(724) 288-6347

Crew Opens Season at Riverfront Regatta

Hartford, CT: In a day that started foggy and cool but ended with brilliant sunshine, the Smith crews took to the water for their first test of the season. The regatta featured over 500 entries in college, club, junior, and master divisions, with Smith rowing against New England rivals Trinity and Mt Holyoke.

The Pioneers departed from their usual lineups in hopes of getting everyone on the team experience and a good row, mixing up all four of the varsity eights into three boats for the 1st collegiate race.  The lineups were mixed again for the 2nd varsity race, with three different boats competing. 

All of the crews had great rows despite the new lineups.  In the 1st collegiate eight race, Smith crews finished in 8th, 9th, and 11th place out of 12 teams.  Sarah Rothstein (Easton, MA) coxed the 8th place crew to a 24:16.56 finish.  Maurine Collins (Northampton, MA) coxed the 9th place crew to 24:23.83 and Jayna Shea (Beverly, MA) coxed the 11th place crew to 24:55.78.  The currents and tides combined to make each row a true training and endurance row, with each crew having close challengers throughout the race. 

Taking to the water for a second row on the day, Smith's crews placed 3rd, 5th, and 6th out of 8 total in the 2nd collegiate eight.  Coxswain Jayna Shea led her crew to a 22:51.69 finish in 3rd place.  Maurine Collins coxed the 5th place crew to a time of 24:02.23, while Sarah Rothstein coxed the 6th place crew to a 24:33.78 finish. 

After a great first outing and some experience under their belt, the Pioneers will ready for the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston on October 17-18.