May 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's women's rowing team will look for a strong finish to 2009 in the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta, which runs Friday and Saturday on the Schuylkill River. Friday's heats begin at 7 a.m.

The Hawks' Varsity 8, the reigning Atlantic 10 champion, is seeded third. SJU is led by A-10 Women's Rowing Student-Athlete of the Year Debbie Bateman, along with fellow senior Lauren Sysol.

The 2nd Varsity 8 heads into the weekend as the fifth seed and the Hawks will also field boats in the Freshman 8 and Varsity 4.

"This is one of the biggest and most competitive Dad Vail fields in a long time. There is a lot of parity on the women's sice. We expect and want tight battles - we aren't overlooking anybody. We had a good 2008 here and are looking for a great 2009," said Hawks' coach Gerry Quinlan.

For information and results, go to www.dadvail.org.