Wellesley Crew Ranked #1 in the Nation

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The Wellesley College crew team is ranked number one in the nation in the latest USRowing/CRCA National Rowing Poll. Wellesley moved up from the number-four spot in the rankings which were released earlier today. 

The Blue vaulted to the top spot in the poll after two straight weekends in which the varsity eight boat defeated nationally-ranked opponents. Wellesley was last number one in the national rankings during the 2002-03 season.

On Saturday, Wellesley topped a pair of teams that were ranked in the top-three nationally, including then #1 Williams, the eight-time defending NCAA Champions. The Blue also defeated then #3 William Smith, who has since moved up to second in the national poll.

Earlier this season, the Blue closed out their spring training trip with an open-water victory over then #7 Washington College. 

Wellesley's varsity eight boat has been honored with two-straight NEWMAC Boat of the Week awards for their efforts this spring. The varsity eight that earned both awards was made up of coxswain, sophomore Alessandra Zaldivar-Giuffredi, and rowers, sophomore Meg Roberts, senior Becca Kimball, sophomore Charlotte Benishek, first-year Kathryn Barth, first-year Hannah Barton, sophomore Grace Howland, sophomore Olivia Thayer, and junior Emma Reuder.

Led by coaches Tessa Spillane, Austin Work, and Hannah Woodruff '11, and team captains, Ildi Gaal '14, Kimball, and Maggie West '14, the Blue will be back in action this weekend. On Saturday, Wellesley will race at Tufts beginning at 9:00am, and on Sunday, the team will head to races at WPI for an 8:30am start.