United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics - Women's Crew

WORCESTER, MASS.--(5/2/09)--The women’s Novice 8 had a breakthrough performance, placing 2nd out of 14 crews at the New England Rowing Championships.

In the morning heats, the Bears placed 2nd, qualifying them for the Grand Final. With only three seconds separating the 2nd through 6th seeds going into the finals, the Bears knew they had to leave it all on the water if they wanted to medal.

After 750 meters, they were deadlocked with Bates, WPI, Simmons and Mt. Holyoke, and down to eventual winner UVM. In a gusty 3rd 500 meters, the Bears pushed out to a six seat advantage on the rest of the field and maintained their position through the final sprint to the finish, crossing the line in a time of 7:29.8.

Christa Funk, Tiffany Zehnle, Holly Madden, Erin Nolan, Emily Balingit-Clark, Katie Ward, Fallon Bowers, Katie Preising, and Juliana Harvin, all freshmen, earned the first silver medal in at least 10 years for Coast Guard Women’s Crew at New England’s. An exciting end to their season and a great harbinger for the future of CGA crew.

In the Women’s Varsity 4 event, Sarah Troch (’12) combined with Beki Redstone (’11), Yahiara Cervantes (‘10), Rachel Douglas (‘10), and Tara Mead (’12). In the morning heats, Coast Guard placed 4th, qualifying them for the petite finals. Racing against many crews that boat their top rowers in the fours events, the Bears competed very well in the afternoon final, placing 5th in their final and 11th overall in a time of 8:35.

In their morning heat, the women’s Varsity 8 had a blistering last 500 and were moving on crews, but simply ran out of water, placing 5th and qualifying for the 3rd level final. In the afternoon final, Coast Guard took on Colby, getting open water by the 1000 meter mark and never looking back. They finished 1st in their final, 13th overall, in a time of 7:27.2. The 1V consisted of Cate Gillen (‘09), Lauren Milici (’09), Sarah Jane Otey (‘11), Rachel Thomas (‘12), Maggie Ward (‘09), Kate Dacimo (‘11), Sarah Thompson (‘09), Kelli Normolye (‘12), and Rory Keegan (‘09).

While the season has come to a close for the Novice 8 and Varsity 4, the Varsity 8 will compete next weekend at the ECAC National Invitational in Camden, N.J.