Women’s Rowing Closes Out Season at Dad Vails

Complete Results

Philadelphia, Pa. – The Fordham women's rowing squad wrapped up its season this past weekend at the Dad Vail Regatta on the Schuylkill River on May 8th and 9^th where the Rams entered a Women's Varsity 8, a Women's Second Varsity 8 and a Women's Varsity 4+. Known as the largest intercollegiate regatta in the nation, the Dad Vail hosts over 125 schools and runs over 175 races over the weekend.
 
The Fordham Women's Varsity 8+ had one of their best performances of the season, earning a spot to compete in the petite finals. Stroked by Senior Ashleigh Aitchison, the Varsity 8+ placed 2nd in their heat on Friday behind Drexel, posting a time of 6:57.4 , the fifth fastest time of 30 boats that raced in the heats. The Rams went on to place third in the semifinals with a time of 6:39.1, securing a spot in the petite final, where Fordham finished in third place, placing ninth overall in the event. The Varsity 8+ lineup was compiled of seniors Nicole Arrato, Ashleigh Aitchison, Tecla Di Francesco, juniors Ashley Hawkesworth and Fiona Murtagh, sophomores Maura O'Donnell, Kerry Egan and Jacquelyn Ramos and Freshman Caroline Hamann.
 
Fordham's Second Varsity 8+ led by stroke seat sophomore Kelly Leonard, placed fourth in their heat with a time of 7:38.4, qualifying them for the semifinals. The lineup was made up of Kelly Leonard, Katie Dillon, Jessica Kammen, Kristen Shuman, Jessica LaJoie, Ariene Merkle, Dena Bussa, Leslie Fung and senior coxswain Caitlin Sershon. The Rams placed fifth in their semi with a time of 7:02.9 ahead of Purdue who raced in a time of 7:22.0. The Second Varsity 8+ did not qualify for the Gran Final.
 
The Women's Varsity 4+ was made up of coxswain Rebecca Aviles, Caroline Sneider, Samantha Cerqueira, Catherine Napoli and Brynn Fiacchi. They fought hard and placed fourth in their heat in a time of 8:07.7 over Georgia Tech. Their time was the 28th fastest time out of 45 boats entered in the event. 
 
"As a graduating senior, this was the perfect way for me to end my career with Fordham Rowing," said Senior Captain Nicole Arrato. "The Varsity 8+ experienced a level of passion and boat speed that we had never felt this year which was such a thrill. It shows promise for those who will be returning to the team next year and the future of the program."
 
The Rams did have a medal winner at Dad Vails as the Men's Lightweight 4+ placed second.