Oct. 25, 2004

Boston, MA - The Saint Mary's women's rowing varsity eight team competed in the 40th annual Head of the Charles Regatta on Sunday in Boston, Mass. The Gaels entered the race ranked 47th and finished 39th overall in the women's eight collegiate competition. The Gaels rowed to a time of 14:09, which was 1:20 off the pace of the collegiate champions Minerva Rowing Club (12:50).

Saint Mary's rowed a flawless race and finished 20 seconds from a top-20 finish. Amy Bellman did an excellent job as the coxswain as she steered the boat through a tough course that included bridges. The varsity team of Lindsey Anderson, Janelle Silva, Karlie Pennington, Lindsay Juricich, Anna Hiser, Courtney Smith, Dana Smith, and Mary Terrill got the Gaels off to a positive start to begin the 2004-05 season.

In uncomfortable conditions that were cold and crowded with fans, the team handled them well and established a good rhythm at a slightly lower pace then the other crews. Considering that two of the eight rowers (Silva and Pennington) were freshman and rowing in their first collegiate race. Following the race, the team watched the US National Team row by and it was a great opportunity to see the best.

The women's rowing team will compete in their second competition of the fall when it participates in the Head of the American in Sacramento, CA. The Gaels will take both their varsity and novice teams to the regatta at Lake Natoma on October 30.

For complete results of the Head of the Charles Regatta Click Here