Oct. 24, 2005

Boston, Mass. - The Marist women's crew took a thrilling fourth place finish out of 46 boats in the Collegiate Eights at the Head of the Charles regatta this weekend. That finish was the best-ever by a Marist boat, men or women, at the prestigious race. Head Coach Kelly Harris' squad finished with a time of 18:29.7, just behind the favorite Trinity (first), Williams and Brock.

Marist also finished ahead of heavily favored Villanova (2004 Champions) and Smith as well as New York State rival Colgate. By finishing in the top-five, the Red Foxes automatically qualified for next year's highly competitive Championship Eight race. Coach Harris was extremely pleased with the effort put forth by her relatively young boat and noted that coxswain Caitlin Melnick steered a solid race to boost the team's effort.

The following rowers made up the Marist boat: Coxswain: Caitlin Melnick (Sr.), Stroke: Sheila Finnegan (Jr.), Seven: Rebecca Lecius (Sr.), Six: Jackie Nolan (Sr.), Five: Anna Foster (Jr.), Four: Margaret Hoar (Jr.), Three: Lisa D'Aniello (So.), Two: Hillary Saeger (Jr.), Bow: Kerri O'Brien (Jr.).

The Marist men's varsity eight took a 37th place in the Championship Eight race, with a time of 16:40. The Red Foxes raced against an extremely talented field in the highest profile men's event of the day.