October 9, 2001
WC Eight Takes First Place
at Season-Opening Regatta

WILMINGTON, DE -- A first-place finish by the varsity eight highlighted a strong performance by the Washington College women's rowing team Sunday at the Head of Christina regatta, its first competition of the year. The women's eight was considered the premier event at the regatta.

Washington's eight finished in 20:02.5, ahead of two teams from Division I Villanova. The gold-medal winning squad consisted of sophomore Amy Levak (Medford, NJ/Shawnee), senior Brianne Brynelson (Lake Oswego, OR/Lake Oswego), sophomore Sara Beegle (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore Polytechnic) sophomore Kelly McGlynn (Pleasant Valley, NY/Arlington), senior Hilary Wurzbach (Greenwich, CT/Greenwich), freshman Juli Irwin (Annapolis, MD/Annapolis), sophomore Gina Ralston (Kennett Square, PA/Unionville), senior Stephanie Williams (Littleton, CO/Arapahoe), and senior Katherine Wilwol (Newtown Square, PA/Marple Newtown). The first-place finish marked the second year in a row that WC has won the event.

Freshman Kelsey Taylor (Woodbridge, VA/C.D. Hylton), sophomore Leona Dalton (Bowie, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti), sophomore Kara Ripple (Baltimore, MD/Mercy), sophomore Meredith Flynn (St. John's, NF, Canada/Lakefield), and freshman Courtney Ackerman made up the Washington four team that finished third behind Villanova and the Wilmington Rowing Club. The Shorewomen crossed the finish line in 26:08.1.

Only experienced WC rowers participated in this regatta due to its early-season nature.

The Shorewomen return to action at the Head of Charles regatta in Boston, to be held October 19-21.