Women's Crew Takes Little Three Title
PITTSFIELD, MA – On a blustery day at Lake Onota with wind that forced the cancellation of many of the morning’s races, the Williams women’s first and second varsity boats powered through the chop to take the top two places in the varsity eight race. The novice and varsity fours races were canceled due to high winds creating dangerous water conditions. The Little Three Championship, traditionally a race between Williams, Wesleyan, and Amherst, included crews from the University of Vermont and Colgate. Amherst did not participate in this year’s Little Three Championship.
The women’s first and second varsity lined up with varsity eights from Wesleyan, Colgate and UVM, knowing they would have to fight to take control of the race and the conditions.
“When I saw the five boat lineup,” said women’s head coach Justin Moore, “I thought that this was going to be a great opportunity for us. The women knew they’d have to race to the 1,000 to gain control of the race and I was pleased to see both boats execute that plan.”
Both Williams boats moved out in front of the field early in the race with the second varsity clinging to the stern of the first varsity through the first half of the race. Only by the 1,000 meter mark, halfway through the race, was the first varsity able to break clean from their second varsity boat.
“We’ve been saying this all year, but our own second varsity is really some of the best competition we’ll face this season,” remarked co-captain Katherine Robinson ’09. “We had to work to get open water on them and it’s pretty incredible that as a Division III second varsity they can beat Division I crews. We’re very proud of them.”
At the finish, the Williams first varsity crossed the line first, in 7:17.2, with the second varsity a length of open water behind in 7:28.5, and well ahead of the rest of the field. Colgate took third in 7:35.6, with Wesleyan in fourth and UVM in fifth.
Coach Moore was extremely pleased with the way his crews raced. “We executed exactly what we had practiced all week in training, and every week this season we’ve taken a step forward. We still have a lot to learn before the end of the season, but I hope next week we’ll continue to take steps forward and find more speed.”
The women will remain at home next weekend in their final tune up before the New England Rowing Championships. Williams will host Marist, Coast Guard, Bates, and Ithaca on Lake Onota on Saturday, April 25.
“Bates has been an outstanding crew all spring,” said Moore. “We knew they’d be good and they’ve proven it. Ithaca is always impressive, and Marist is putting up good numbers, so next week will be a great opportunity for us.”
