April 19, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - The Atlantic 10 Conference will hold its women's tennis and women's rowing championships this weekend.

On Apr. 22, the 23rd annual Atlantic 10 Women's Tennis Championship begins at the Tennis Center of College Park (MD). Richmond will look to defend its title. A year ago, Richmond downed Xavier, 4-0, to claim its second Atlantic 10 crown in three years. Joining the Spiders and Musketeers in quest for the Atlantic 10 title are Dayton, Duquesne, Fordham, George Washington, La Salle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure, Saint Joseph's, and Temple.

Play starts on Friday, Apr. 22 at 8:00am, with the final match of the day beginning at 3:30pm. On Saturday, Apr. 23, play begins at 8:00am. The fifth- and seventh-place matches of the Atlantic 10 Women's Tennis Championship will commence on Sunday, Apr. 24 at 8:00am. The championship match and third-place match will follow at 11:00am.

The 10th annual Atlantic 10 Women's Rowing Championship will take place on the Cooper River in Pennsauken, NJ, on Saturday, Apr. 23.

Massachusetts has won each of the previous nine team titles, including last year's by a 11-point margin. A year ago, the Minutewomen won three of the eight events - Varsity 8, Varsity 4, and Quad.

Rhode Island placed second in last year's Championship with victories in the Second Varsity 8 and Lightweight 8. George Washington won the Novice 8-A and Novice 8-B, while La Salle took the Novice 4.

The Championship begins on the Cooper River at 8:00am with trials. Finals will begin at approximately 11:20am.