PHILADELPHIA (1/22/04) - After reaffirming its status as one of the East's premier programs in 2002-03, the Saint Joseph's rowing team has laid the ground work to make the move into the upper echelon of women's rowing in 2004. With all of the oarswomen returning from the Varsity 8 and many of the women from the 2003 Freshman and Second Varsity Eights expected to vie for seats in the top boats, the Hawks aim to be in medal contention each time out. In addition to the returning varsity rowers, the squad will be bolstered by a talented group of novices and expects to boat four eights, a four, a double, and a quad depending on the opportunity to race. This year's stronger and more experienced SJU squad has high expectations and will have the opportunity to test itself early and often this season. Head coach Gerry Quinlan has compiled a challenging schedule that includes spring races against at least 15 teams ranked in the top 20. Despite winning the third final at the San Diego Crew Classic, the Petite Final at Dad Vail, and placing second in the Petite final at the ECAC Championship, the Hawks' Varsity 8 aims for even greater success this season. Among the region's most talneted boats, Maureen Demer, Brigid Morrison, Bernice McPherson, Lauren Gallagher, Martha Limbach, Mary Jameson, Jenn Wilson and Megan Nechanicky return to the V8 which hopes to make a Grand jump this year by starting fast and finishing strong. The Second Varsity 8 advanced to the finals in each of its spring events, including the grand final at the Murphy Cup and Dad Vail and won the petite at ECACs, but will have a different look after losing several experienced rowers to graduation. Among the returnees, who could also vie for time in the V8, are Rachel Fonorow (cox), Rebecca Celotto, Marci Armetta, and Allison Vaughn. Competition for seats in the top boats will be heated as members of the last season's highly decorated Freshman 8s rise into the varsity ranks. The Frosh 8, consisting of Katie Parry (cox), Emily Martin, Laura Hill, Maureen Owston, Meredith Richter, Jenn Linck, Brianna Kearns, and Amanda Holland, advanced to the finals in seven regattas, winning gold at both the ECAC and Murphy Cup, as well as the A-10 Fall Regatta, while taking silver at the A-10 Championship and Dad Vail. The freshman team has gained experience and strength each day. Featuring a good mix of experienced rowers and fabulous athletes, including Susannah Beltz, Jacqueline Cancelliere, Jennifer Castillo, Jennifer Fasy, Kristen Greenbaum, Meghan Henry, Jacquelyn Hopkinson, Julia Kelenski, Amanda McGlinchy, Megan McShea, and Natalie Schuck, this year's freshman class will not disappoint. Last season, youth and inexperience was the difference in many races, as SJU finished within a fraction of a second off first place 8 times. This year's team believes it has the character, courage and determination to get over the hump and do what it takes to win. After committing in the fall season to hone technique, the Crimson and Gray expect to place individuals in positions to perform to the maximum of their ability during the spring. Coming off a 2002-03 season in which the team gained valuable race experience, expectaions are high in 2004. With a wealth of talented returning rowers back in the fold, the Crimson and Gray will be in the hunt for medals at every regatta. This year's team should be a contender for its first-ever Atlantic 10 Conference crown and qualify all of its 8s in the Dad Vail finals.