>May 8, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's men's and women's rowing teams combined to win the Overall Points Trophy at the 72nd Annual Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta on the Schuylkill River. The Hawks took home a total of one gold medal, two silvers and four bronze. SJU's men and women also medaled in seven grand finals.

It marks the first time that Saint Joseph's has won the combined points trophy since 2006, when the Hawks had captured it for two consecutive years. As a team, SJU was second in the women's standings.

The Hawks placed three eights in the Grand Finals - the Varsity 8, Second Varsity 8, and the Freshman 8, bringing home one silver and two bronze medals, respectively.

The Varsity 8 led the field for 1700 meters but were overtaken behind the island when Sacramento State entered the protected water. "We did a very good job of handling the trying conditions. Sac State rowed a great race and knew exactly where the advantages would be and took advantage of it," said coach Gerry Quinlan.

The Hawks' Varsity 8 was comprised of: c- Clare Burns, 8- Brianne Kammerman, 7- Katie Herdmann, 6- Christina DiSanto, 5- Colleen Greway, 4- Danielle Brady, 3- Colleen Smith, 2- Lauren Rozsits, 1- Bridget Dempsey.

The Freshman 8 took a bronze medal and then the 2nd Varsity 8 rowed an inspired race with a great final 1000 to also earn the bronze. "The Second Varsity 8 had a strong push through Drexel to get into the medals," said Quinlan.

The Freshman 8 was made up of:  c- Katie Messina, 8- Meg McCabe, 7- Gabriella Parker, 6- Elisa Miller, 5- Brittany Roth, 4- Kaitlin Scher, 3- Emily McVan, 2- Anna Martucci, 1- Jess Romano; while the Second Varsity 8 was: c- Andi Hartfield, 8- Tina Regan, 7- Rachel Shustack, 6- Ashley Wollman, 5- Moira Schanne, 4- Juliet Lee, 3- Angela Acuna, 2- Sarah Bell, 1- Meaghan Scher.

"We are very proud of all five of our boats. This performance at Dad Vail was a great cap to an excellent season," said coach Gerry Quinlan.