In a day that had thunderstorm and tornado warnings, the William Smith College rowing team battled for a bid to the NCAA Championships but came up short today in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
 
The point system is weighted to favor the top crews, awarding 27 points to the first place boat compared to just 10 points for a win in the second varsity eight.No. 3 Ithaca took home the Liberty League championship, winning the varsity eight race and finishing second in the 2V. The No. 12 Herons finished second in the varsity eight and third in the second varsity eight and varsity four races.
 
With the potential of race canceling weather on the horizon, the 2V and 1V races were moved to the top of the schedule.  In the 2V race, boats had trouble staying pointed down their lanes and officials went to a quick start, which meant that hands indicating an unreadiness to row, were not recognized.  The Herons got caught with while adjusting and had a scrambled start as they passed back oats that were being used for point adjustments to their rightful owners.  It took about five strokes to regain their composure but Ithaca and RIT had already grabbed early leads.  
 
"We never quite got back on track," said Head Coach Sandra Chu. "Though the boat rowed with the will to improve their position, it just wasn't in the cards today.  I am really proud of the steps this boat has taken to improve, however.  They have not had a stable line-up due to injuries for several weeks and even going into the race this afternoon had only been able to practice in their line-up once.  They demonstrated an impressive agility and adaptability.  The same can be said for the four, whose lineup was also impacted by injury.  These five women handled very rough conditions and the challenges of blending as well as the incorporation of a new stroke just yesterday.  I think they showed great persistence."
 
The 2V was powered by sophomore Elisabeth Rowedder, first-year Emma Falkenstein, sophomore Tori Malamas, senior Carey Sevier, junior Madelaine Hamilton, senior Jennifer Sullivan, first-year Alexandra Deku, first-year Julia Walters, and sophomore Catherine DiCara, and they finished with a time of 8:33.640. RIT came in first in 8:12.700 and Ithaca was second in 8:17.600.
 
The William Smith varsity 4 of senior Alyssa Deem, first-year Gillian Casserly, junior Tatiana Loftus, first-year Emma Rosser and junior Katie Frohman also finished third. They crossed the line in 10:54.457. St. John Fisher was first in 10:05.300 and Rochester claimed second place logging a time of 10:33.014.
 
The 1V of first-year Susan Hurwitz, senior Nicole Guardino, first-year Molly Dexter, senior Elizabeth Warren, first-year Sarah Laferrera, sophomore Anna Moreau, sophomore Annika Linden, sophomore Emma Lubrano, and first-year Taryn Wenberg also struggled at the start.  A strong cross wind pushed all the competitors on top of each other on the stakeboats and crews had some tense moments getting untangled and locked on.  Once the start was called, the 1V locked horns with IC and RIT.  Going into the 1000, Ithaca had a solid lead but the Herons continued to battle.  Having lost to RIT at home, and also earlier in the season, the Herons knew they would be required to bring their A Game.  Taking a seat off the start, they opened up that lead to 3 by the 500 and then had open water by the 1000.  They continued to walk out, eventually besting the Tigers for second. The Herons finished with a time of 7:52.613. Ithaca won in 7:40.400. No. 11 RIT rounded out the top three with a time of 8:03.388.
 
"The season has been about process. Every time we race or practice, we've been learning new skills and taking good steps.  The 1V definitely took a giant leap in their process today and it was great to see this impact on the quality of their racing today.  For the entire team, our focus is on taking another step tomorrow and setting our team up for growth every time we pick up our oars."
 
The Herons will be back in action tomorrow, May 5, when they compete in the New York State Championships also in Saratoga Springs.