HAWK ROWERS EXCEL ON THE WATER IN 2002-03
PHILADELPHIA (7/01/03) - Rowing from a home of their own on the Schuylkill River for the first time, the Robert Gillin, Jr. Boathouse, the Saint Joseph's University women's rowing team reaffirmed its status as one of the East's premier programs in 2002-03, while laying the ground work for greater success to come. A pair of the region's most talented varsity crews and an experienced group of novice rowers led the Hawks on the water.
Racing a true Varsity 8, which included several members of the squad's highly-decorated Freshman 8 from the year before, the Hawks used the fall to synchronize their timing. Comprised primarily of Amy Platt (cox), Maureen Demer, Brigid Morrison, Bernice McPherson, Lauren Gallagher, Martha Limbach, Mary Jameson, Jenn Wilson and Megan Nechanicky, the V8 then set out to make its mark early in the spring season. The crew followed up a fourth place finish at the Jesuit Invitational by winning the third final at the San Diego Crew Classic and then turning in the top qualifying time at the Murphy Cup.
The boat was poised for a big splash at the Dad Vail, but a poor draw proved to be its demise. After easily advancing to the semifinal, the Hawks finished third in the most talented semifinal heat and failed to advance to the grand final, despite posting the fourth best time among the 18 boats in the semis. They then outclassed the field in the petite final, winning the race in a time of 6:47.10. Physically drained after two grueling days of rowing, they capped the year the following day with a second place finish in the petite final at the ECAC Championship.
Much like the Varsity 8, the Second Varsity 8 featuring Rachel Fonorow (cox), Stef Smith, Lauren Bair, Caterina Silvestrini, Laurie Sparano, Rebecca Celotto, Marci Armetta, Suzanne Phillips, and Allison Vaughn opened the year slowly, but came together in the spring.
The 2nd V8 advanced to the finals in each of its spring events, including the grand final at the Murphy Cup and Dad Vail, where they placed fourth and fifth, respectively. Also mirroring the Varsity 8, they advanced to the petite final at ECACs, besting the field with a time of 7:43.14.
For the second straight year, the Freshman 8 ranked as the Hawks' most decorated boat. Consisting of Katie Parry (cox), Emily Martin, Laura Hill, Christen Scanlon, Maureen Owston, Meredith Richter, Jenn Linck, Brianna Kearns, and Amanda Holland they advanced to the finals in seven regattas, winning gold at both the ECAC and Murphy Cup, as well as the A-10 Fall Regatta, while taking silver at both the A-10 Championship and the Dad Vail.
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