PHILADELPHIA (5/11/02) - The women's novice eight crew captured the silver medal at the Dad Vail Regatta as Saint Joseph's celebrated a strong day on the Schuykill River on Saturday afternoon. The Hawk crew bested Central Florida by 2.8 seconds and Boston College by 3.8 seconds. On the men's side, the SJU men's lightweight eight fell just short in its medal quest, placing fourth in the final, 2.6 second behind Santa Barbara. The men's lightweight eight consisting of coxswain Heather Alba, stroke Justin Marconi, Pat McGettigan, Sean McCullagh, Jason Bansch, Brian Pirritano, Lee Bink, and Joe Francksled through the 1000 meter pole, but eventutal winner Fordham made a strong move with 800 meters to go, passing SJU. Delaware and Santa Barbara also moved by the Hawks in the stretch run, leaving SJU just out of medal contention. The SJU varsity eight consisting of Drew Parassio, Jon Joyce, Mark Rosenthal, Chris Barrett, Paul Benvie, Jim O'Connor, Matt Gantner, Pete Stajk and cox Terrie Venglarik,advanced well through the heat and repechages to compete in the semi-finals on Saturday. The Hawks rowed a strong race in the semifinal, but finished fourth with only the top two crews advancing. The freshman eight rowed a fantastic heat on Friday, leading to the bridge. Then FIT moved ahead, but the Hawks held second, advancing to the semifinals. In the semifinal, SJU raced eventual gold medal winner Marietta, and was unable to advance despite a strong effort. The lightweight freshman eight drew a tough heat. The Hawks rowed a top six time among all heats, but three crews in SJU's heat were faster. Thus the Hawks did not advance. SJU conclude its 2002 season at the Dad Vail Regatta.