Nov. 2, 2005

SARATOGA, NY - Pioneer freshman rowers held off their rival Fairfield Stag crew for the second time this season at the Head of the Fish Regatta in Saratoga, NY on Saturday.

After strong performances at previous fall regattas (Harlem, Hartford, Housatonic) Sacred Heart had met its rivals for the first time two weeks earlier on the Hudson River at West Point. Placing second only to Army's "A" boat by 12 seconds, SHU novices rowed the 2.5-mile course in 15:17, a full minute five seconds faster than Army's second boat and 1:19 faster than Fairfield.

In Saratoga, Pioneers again dominated, earning a 10th place finish among the 32 entries and rowing the course some eight seconds faster than 13th place Fairfield. UMASS and URI were among many notable crews who also fell to Sacred Heart.

After losing to Sacred Heart last year at West Point, Fairfield was able to rebound and pass the Pioneers by early November at Dowling. In the two weeks since West Point this year they closed the gap behind Sacred Heart at Saratoga, but the Pioneers are determined to hold them off.

Sacred Heart has gauged its success in a steady advancement toward competitiveness with the longer-established Fairfield program. Until last year, Fairfield crews had little concern facing SHU boats in races.

Both programs share a stretch of the Housatonic River each morning at practice.

The two crews will face each other again this Saturday at the Grimaldi Cup/Fall Metropolitan Championships at Iona.