Rhode Island’s Varsity 8+ boat was named Atlantic 10 Boat of the Week following their win on Saturday. PHOTO CREDIT: gorhody.com
The University of Rhode Island women’s rowing team blew their opponents out of the water when they raced against Holy Cross, Sacred Heart, and Bucknell on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, Massachusetts on Saturday morning.
For the Rhody Rams, the Varsity 8+ team was named the Atlantic 10 Boat of the Week from their performance in the race this past weekend. The Varsity 8+, Second Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ teams had record times for their races.
The Varsity 8+ team included second-year Ellie McGee in the as the coxswain located in the stern of the boat. First-year Hailey Pardi was in the stroke position, which occupies the eighth seat. Fourth-year Catie Castle was in seat seven followed by second-year Bella Bruno in seat six. Fifth-year Julia Fortin took the fifth seat with fourth-year Elizabeth Greason in the fourth seat. First-year Bethany Nordstrom was in the third seat and third-year Nicole Jones was in the second seat of the boat. First year Emma Barnhart was positioned in the bow, opposite the stern of the boat.
The Rams team was the first to row their way through the water, finishing first in their heat with a time of six minutes and 32 seconds. Bucknell finished six seconds later, followed by Holy Cross Crusaders coming in at six minutes and 52 seconds and Sacred Heart making their way to the finish line at six minutes and 59 seconds.
Fourth-year rower Catie Castle acknowledged all the hard work the team has put in their practices over the season. Castle went on to explain that the team felt confident as they headed into Saturday’s race. With that in mind, she elaborated that the team tends to limit the conversation before getting to the starting point. Castle mentioned that this further prepares the team to get the correct mindset for the race.
The Second Varsity 8+ team earned the Rams a substantial victory. This team’s boat consisted of fifth-year Danielle Sawn in the Cox with fourth-year Sammie Gorecki in the Stroke. Seat seven was occupied by fourth-year Lauren Thomas, followed by third-year Emily Olin in seat six.
Between seats five and two, third-year Samantha Gumprecht, third-year Sarah Pecaoraro, fourth-year Emily Drappeau, and first-year Cait Reardon covered each seat. Third-year Olivia Kowalski secured the Rams spot from the bow of the boat. The Rams again finished first at six minutes and 39 seconds, with Bucknell finishing at six minutes and 47 seconds, Sacred Heart finishing at seven minutes and two seconds and the host team Crusaders straggling in at seven minutes and eight seconds.
The Varsity 4+ teams were up next, with first-year Iris Lee in the cox and first-year Emma Brookins in the Stroke. First-year Irma Accius was in seat three with first-year Lydia Dillon in seat two. Third-year Caedram Sullivan held her place in the bow of the boat. The Rams continued their first place streak with a time of seven minutes and 29 seconds. Bucknell came in at seven minutes and 34 seconds, Holy Cross at seven minutes and 48 seconds, and Sacred Heart straggling in at eight minutes and seven seconds.
Head coach Shelagh Donohoe discussed the practice schedule leading up to the day of the race. With the race on Saturday, the team headed up to Worcester, Massachusetts on Friday and practiced on the course itself to ensure that the team is comfortable and secure with the race course the following day.
The Third Varsity 8+ team fell to the Bison Bucknells in their only race of the day. First-year Olivia Moretti was in the cox and first-year Jasmyn Hayes was in the stroke. Seats seven through two were occupied by fourth-year Hannah Bachert, first-year Abby Galayda, second-year Ella Godsey, second-year Gabrielle Aloia, first-year Hailey Morrison and first-year Savannah Sylvester-Neal. First-year Mary Brantley held her position in the bow of the boat. Only URI and Bucknell faced off. Bucknell came out on top with a final time of seven minutes and 31 seconds and Rhode Island fell behind at seven minutes and 38 seconds.
The Second Varsity 4+ team held first-year Iris Lee in the cox of the boat, while first-year Emma Brookins raced from the stroke. First-year Irma Accisu was in seat three for this race while first-year Lydia Dillon raced from seat two. Third-year Caedran Sullivan competed in the race from her position in the bow of the boat. Bucknell took Rhody’s top spot again, with a time of seven minutes and 58 seconds, with Rhody coming in second place with a time of eight minutes and 10 seconds. Holy Cross came in five seconds later at eight minutes and 15 seconds, and Sacred Heart straggled in over a minute later, with a finish time of nine minutes and 19 seconds.
Between all four teams racing against each other, Bucknell proved to be Rhody’s biggest competitor. When it comes to the nerves that play into the athletes performance, Castle pointed out that her and her teammates have built up a strong communication relationship with one another that has proven to be effective for them from rowing together all season.
The Varsity 8+ teams went out again with Rhody still finishing in first place. They came in with a time of six minutes and 54 seconds, shortly followed by Bucknell coming in at six minutes and 56 seconds, with Holy Cross coming in at seven minutes and 12 seconds, and Bucknell finishing at seven minutes and 25 seconds.
Coach Donohoe does not tend to dwell too much on who the team is racing.
“I can’t make the other teams faster or slower,” Donohoe said, “It is more important to focus on our potential and the race plan.”
The Second Varsity 8+ teams went on the water for the second time of the day. Rhody finished first at seven minutes and four seconds, Bucknell at seven minutes and 12 seconds, Holy Cross at seven minutes and 34 seconds and Sacred Heart at seven minutes and 42 seconds.
The Varsity 4+ teams were the other team to compete twice on Saturday. The Rams finished at seven minutes and 53 seconds, Bucknell at seven minutes and 58 seconds, Holy Cross at eight minutes and 17 seconds and Sacred Heart at eight minutes and 50 seconds.
The Rhody Rams were familiar with two of their competitors, Holy Cross and Sacred Heart, seeing as the teams have competed against each other in previous years. However the University of Rhode Island had not had as much experience competing against Bucknell, who was their top competitor in Saturday’s race.