Feb. 17, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - Inexperience proved to be a significant challenge for the Saint Joseph's women's rowing team a year ago. Frequently hindered in early season races by tactics and reaction time, close calls were the norm.

Despite the growing pains, the youthful Hawks persevered displaying steady improvement throughout the year before capping the season with one of the finest showings in program history at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta. The Crimson and Gray advanced three crews to the finals, placing third in the women's competition, and combining with the SJU men to secure the Jack Bratten trophy indicative of the Regatta's overall champion.

Older and wiser, the 2006 Hawks return oarswomen and coxswains who are now in their eighth year of competitive racing. The most decorated freshmen class in team history are now seniors and the team returns all but one member of its Varsity 8, as well as the core of its highly successful novice crews. After its strong showing at the Dad Vail in 2005, the Hawks know they have the racers to make 2006 a memorable year.

SJU has high-expectations for its seasoned Varsity 8 led by senior co-captains Brianna Kearns, Maureen Owston and Kate Parry as well as junior Meghan Henry. Sophomores Liz Sauter and Alicia Easby-Smith also return after securing seats in the V8 as rookies. Vying for time in the lead boat will be senior Lindsay Thompson, sophomore Kelly McKinley and possibly a few of the team's outstanding freshmen, Debbie Bateman, Lauren Sysol and Kaitlin Reehill.

Seniors Liz Daly and Erin O'Hanlon will be joined by Thompson, McKinley, and sophomores Marissa Mazza, Jess Barsky, Kait Weston, Megan Stanton, Catherine Best and Caitlin Twaddel to fill out the varsity boats, including a Lightweight 8 crew in the Spring.

The Hawks gelled late in 2005 to finish off a successful campaign and the fall provided a speed check reaffirming that they should be within striking distance of winning every race on the competitive schedule. With more race experience under their belts and the confidence gained from last season the Crimson and Gray appear poised for a big season in 2006.