RESULTS on Row2k.com

WORCESTER, Mass.—Ranked fourth in the nation in the latest coaches poll, the William Smith rowing team swept the competition away on Lake Quinsigamond this past weekend posting victories in all four categories despite rough conditions from the outset. All four boats were able to jump to the font by the end of the first 800 meters and were able to build on their leads.

The Heron varsity eight of Kim Goral, Liz Hafer, Maggie Smith, Lauren Blake-Whitney, Tess Wiggins, Claire Brown, Sarah Gordon, Alayna Beebe, and Jess Steketee posted a 2,000-meter time of 7:17.1 for a six-second victory over No. 8 WPI, which crossed the line in 7:23.2. William Smith dealt with a shifting 20 mph headwind that shifted to a cross/headwind midrace, resulting in choppy conditions throughout the race. Washington (Md.)  was third, followed by Tufts, Skidmore, and RIT.

The second varsity eight battled with their Tufts throughout the course holding on for a two second victory. Christine Babcock, Libby Hughes, Crary Chandler, Alaria Pizzo, Katie Paige, Laura Cappio, Kara Ruskin, Leila Peraro, and Alyssa Tebilcock finished in 7:22.0. The Engineers were third, with the Shorewomen and Thoroughbreds rounding out the field.

In the third varsity eight race, William Smith brought home it's largest victory of the day, a 10-second open water victory over Tufts and WPI. Powered by a strong middle 1,000, the Heron pulled away from the field. Emily Davidowitz, Jenna Lohre, Sara Hollingshead, Rebecca Charlton, Arianna White, Megan Ulin, Madison Finley, Katie Lehmann, and Emily Kemp logged a time of 7:50.8.

In the novice eight race, William Smith commanded the field from the start and posted a nine-second victory over RIT, winning by a boat length. Ariel Nathan, Libby Hughes, Katie Paige, Christine Reighley, Marielle Verni, Sophie Jenkins, Grace Walter, Kate Manilenko, and Ava Pavao posted a time of 7:22.0. Tufts was a distant third.

“I was excited about winning each of the four races because it shows the great depth of the program,” Heron Head Coach Sandra Chu said. “All four boats came out strong, not necessarily dominant, but all lead with great authority. It's indicative of the talent throughout the program.”

The Herons will be back on the water April 23, in Canton, N.Y., when they race for their first Liberty League Championships since 2007.