Virginia Rowers Finish First In Open Eight At Princeton Chase

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Oct. 29, 2006

PRINCETON, N.J. – The University of Virginia women’s rowing team placed first and fourth in the open eight competition at the Princeton Chase on Sunday, Oct. 29, in Princeton, N.J., on Lake Carnegie. The Cavaliers also finished 21st, 23rd, and 24th in the event.

Virginia’s “A” boat defeated the defending national champion and host of the regatta, Princeton University, in the open eight competition with a time of 15:50.9. Yale’s “A” crew finished second (16:07.6), followed by Princeton’s “A” boat in third (16:08.1) and UVa’s “C” boat in fourth (16:27.7). Virginia’s “B” boat finished 21st (17:03.1), UVa’s “D” boat placed 23rd (17:05.8), and the Cavaliers’ “E” boat came in 24th (17:13.9). Fifty-four crews raced in the competition.

Virginia’s “A” boat was comprised of Michelle Ellison (coxswain), Jenny Cromwell, Kerry Maher, Renee Albers, Heather Gardner, Lauren Hutchins, Libby McCann, Chrissie Monaghan, and Melanie Kok. Members of the Cavaliers’ “C” boat included Taylor Gilmore (coxswain), Caitlin Clark, Mieke Pitts, Augusta Stratos, Andria Haneman, Kelsie Chaudoin, Nancy Graves, Mindy Fiesler, and Bridget Wandelt.

“It was a great effort by our “A” boat,” head coach Kevin Sauer said. “We started second behind Princeton and were able to pass them at the very end of the race. The Virginia “C” boat also had a fantastic effort to finish fourth overall.”

The Cavaliers were also scheduled to race several boats in the open four competition, but the event was canceled due to poor weather conditions.

“As a team, we are really excited that five of our boats placed within the top 25 in the open eight event out of 54 teams,” Sauer added. “It was a great team effort.”

The Cavaliers will complete their fall competition on November 12 when Virginia hosts the Rivanna Romp Regatta on the Rivanna Reservoir.