Vassar College Rowing Fast at Hamilton

CLINTON – The Vassar College Women headed to Rome, NY to take on Hamilton College, Trinity College, Franklin & Marshall College and Skidmore College at the Hamilton College Invitational over a 2000-meter course. Racing on flat water into a strong head current on the Erie Canal the Vassar Women entered two events the Women’s Varsity 8+ and the Women’s 2nd Varsity 8+.

The W2V8+ got the season started for Vassar rowing with a strong win in its first race against Franklin & Marshall. Against the Diplomats the 2V led by Millie Cunningham got off to a quick start to take control of the race early and continued to move away from F&M. Finishing with a time of 8:39.4 to F&M’s 8:50.5 the Brewers moved on to face the host Hamilton College Continentals who advanced to the final in the other heat.

The afternoon final saw the brewers make one line-up change swapping Claire Stutzman for Mary McKenney into 4+ seat. This was a strong race for Vassar who hung tough for the first 1000 meters before finishing in a time of 8:36.4 to Hamilton’s 7:55.4

The WV8+ began their season with an emphatic 25 second win against Liberty League opponent Skidmore College to qualify for the final against Hamilton College and Franklin & Marshall. Vassar finished with a time of 7:55.6 to Skidmore’s 8:20.4.

With no seniors aboard the Brewers were set to race in the final against the #6 Pocock CRCA ranked Hamilton Continentals and F&M who earlier in the day had knocked off Trinity College who was receiving votes in the CRCA poll. A strong start saw Vassar in the mix in its first A level final in sprint racing in several years before ultimately falling to Hamilton and just 8 seconds behind F&M. Vassar 7:58.4, F&M 7:50.3 and Hamilton 7:23.1.

“I was proud of the women today, they eagerly accepted the challenge of racing top varsity crews with maturity and speed.” Said Head Coach Shawn Turner. “Next week features races on both Saturday and Sunday which will provide opportunities to work on a few areas which were identified today.”