March 29, 2006

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Coming off a successful training trip in Florida, the Fairfield women's crew team used that week to prepare for the rigors of the spring season. The team's hard work certainly paid off as it rowed well in the Murphy Cup in its spring opener.

The novice 4+ put together two strong races that resulted in a first-place finish in both their heat and in the final. The boat, comprised of Jessica Braveman, Liz Ulles, Mary Crowley, Lindy McGrail, and coxswain Daria Anuszkiewicz, won their heat by over 38 seconds and coasted to a win. That success carried over into the final when it beat out West Virginia University by six seconds. The Stags finished the final with a time of 8:13.94. The team fell behind early to the Mountaineers, but used a strong move that pushed them in front.

"They raced to their potential," Novice Coach A.J. Miller said. "They raced to their potential. The need now is build on that."

The novice 8 placed sixth in its race, falling 33 seconds behind Princeton University. The boat was comprised by Samantha Rosern, Lindsay Ryan, Liz Reilly, Rebecca Bowes, Sara LaFouchi, Amanda Klecker, Christina DiCioccio, Mallory Reimers, and coxswain Amanda Bennette. Bennette, LaFouchi, and Klecker made their debut in this race after joining the team just a few weeks ago.

The varsity 4 also competed during the Murphy Cup, but had an encounter with another boat and were stopped before making a strong finish. The boat included Emily Green, Kelly Reynolds, Nancy Sidnam, Cecelia Oliverio, and coxswain Andrea Janson.

The Stags competed against 34 other teams in the Murphy Cup, which was hosted by Temple University.