March 27, 2004

COVENTRY LAKE, Conn. -- The Fairfield University women's crew team battled the University of Connecticut head-to-head in an early season dual meet, with the Stags giving the Huskies all they could handle in four races.

The varsity 8 proved to be an exciting race as the Stags placed second to UConn's varsity by six seconds. The Huskies' JV 8 placed third in the race, a distant nine second behind the Stags. UConn took an early lead, but could not open a large lead against the Stags. AFter about 1500 meters, the Huskies held a mere 1/2 boat lead The Stags kept it close until the very end, before being edged in the closing distance. Fairfield's varsity 8 included coxswain Sandy Wrinn, Katie Gill, Maureen Sullivan, Christine Opiela, Mary Claire Finnen, Beth Hemingway, Amy Ferguson and Andrea Bazos.

The varsity 4 "A" also kept up with their Big East foe until late in the race. The Stags used four rowers from their varsity 8 boat, a foursome which went up against four fresh UConn rowers. Despite that difference, the Red and White remained in the race before finally succumbing by nine seconds (8:06.8). The Stags' lightweight 4 also participated in the event, taking third place with a time of 8:31.4. The varsity 4 included coxswain Sandy Wrinn, Jen White, Beth Hemingway, Kate Chesny and Andrea Bazos. The lightweight 4 was comprised of coxswain Katie Molteni, Amy Ferguson, Erica Mullaney, Maura O'Connor and Erin Daly.

The novice 8 performed admirably in their first outing, as the unit rowed well and together through the entire race. The team finished second to UConn with a time of 8:02.6. The novice 8 included Thais Pagan, Emily Green, Kylin Wentz, Katie Donahue, Christine Anglace, Brittany Teahan, Claire Meehan, Justine Rapoport and Lindsay Dewan.

The second novice 8 finished strong, despite experiencing a few setbacks during the race With five members racing for the first time, the shell showed promise for upcoming races in the spring. The second novice 8 team consisted of coxswain Jess Raymond, Chrissy Young, Amanda Piel, Brittany Teahan, Gabby Dogali, Brittany Child, Lisa Augustine, Danielle McLean and Jen Jemison.