Nov. 1, 2006

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - In about 14 minutes of pure performance at the Head of the Fish Regatta on Saturday, five women from Sacred Heart did what 110 other college women couldn't do. With their fourth place finish among 27 crews, Pioneer novice oarswomen Comeau, Reusche, Lott and Wolf showed several powerhouse collegiate rowing programs that Sacred Heart is on the move.

Sophomore coxswain Mallory Berko steered a perfect course down the 2-mile stretch of river, helping the crew to finish in 14:12.29, just under 45 seconds behind UMass Amherst, who won the race. Argonaut Rowing Club and Bowdoin College placed 13 and 21 seconds behind UMass respectively, for silver and bronze.

Schools falling to Sacred Heart included Williams College (boats A, B); Amherst College (A) ; Bowdoin College (B, C); Fairfield University (A); UMASS Amherst (B); Hobart and William Smith College (A) and many, many others

Generally, Sacred Heart rowers performed better at this year's Head of the Fish Regatta than in any past year. Pioneer senior captains Picknally and McCarthy rowed with sophomore Schlosser and junior Williams in the open fours event to a 21st place finish among 35 crews, again with Berko coxing. Williams College won the race in 12:43.43; SHU finished in 14:04.37; and last place finisher Vassar College followed the fleet with a time of 18:02.51.

SHU's varsity eight struggled in the very competitive open category with 2V rowers rowing for sick or injured crewmembers, placing 2nd slowest among 22 crews.

Full results from racing are available on www.row2k.com.