Blue Crew Advances to Grand Finals at NCAA Championships

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Wellesley College crew team had a successful opening day at the 2013 NCAA Division III Rowing Championships on Friday. Both of Wellesley's boats advanced to the grand finals after two races today.

Due to severe weather in the area, morning races were moved to 7:00am. In the heats, the Blue placed third overall in both the varsity eight and second varsity races. The first varsity boat finished behind only Williams and Trinity, while the second varsity eight ranked third behind Williams and William Smith.

Both of Wellesley's boats raced in repechage in the afternoon session, needing a top finish to qualify for the grand finals.

In the varsity eight repechage, the Blue won their four-boat race, jumping out to an early lead after 1,000-meters and then hanging on for victory. Wellesley posted a time of 7:46.17, followed by Washington College (7:46.85), Ithaca College (7:51.60), and Puget Sound (8:14.76). 

The Blue second varsity eight also raced in a repechage, placing second overall. Wellesley was close with Bates throughout the early part of the race, but the Bobcats nipped the Blue in the end, with both qualifying to grands. Bates finished in 7:54.31, followed by Wellesley (7:59.31), William Smith (8:10.41), and Washington College (8:20.29).

The varsity eight boat was made up of coxswain Aidan Chambers and rowers, Taylor Black, Jennifer Lamy, Kathryn Goffin, Jessica Frey, Becca Kimball, Loren Lock, Ali Pierson, Patty Suquilanda. The second varsity boat consisted of coxswain Emma Kaufman and rowers, Emily Cetlin, Ildi Gaal, Sierra Luther, Solange Adamson, Sahar Ibrahim, Kelsey Trabucco, Katie Burnett, and Emma Reuder. Rachel Coogan, Tess Ruderman and Maggie West are also representing the Blue at the event. 

Tomorrow's racing action will kick off with petite finals at 7:00am. The Blue's second varsity eight will race in their grand final at 7:10am, while the varsity eight grand final will see Wellesley compete at 7:30am. **TIME CHANGE**

The 2013 NCAA Crew Championships are being held at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. Saturday's racing can be watched live at: http://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule/2013/06/01

Wellesley Varsity Eight

(Photos by Jim Frey)