April 18, 2004
Eights Excel at Knecht Cup
WC Comes Out on Top in Showdown with Vassar

CAMDEN, NJ --The 10th-ranked Washington College women's rowing team picked up two important first-place finishes this weekend at the Knecht Cup, held yesterday and today on the Cooper River in Camden, NJ. The Shorewomen's varsity eight and second varsity eight each finished first in their respective events, defeating ninth-ranked Vassar in the process.

In the Division III Varsity Eight, the Shorewomen won their heat to earn a berth in the finals. Washington then put on a strong showing in the final, finishing first and defeating second-place Vassar by a boat of open water.

In the Division III Second Varsity Eight, which was a final-only event, the Shorewomen also finished first with Vassar coming in second.

The national rankings for women's rowing, as well as selections to the NCAA Championships are based on the performance of a team's varsity eight and second varsity eight boats.

Washington also entered boats in the Division II/III Frosh/Novice Eight and in the Varsity Four, both of which were final-only events. The Shorewomen placed second in the Frosh/Novice Eight behind Mary Washington and in front of third-place Vassar. Washington was third in the Varsity Four.

Next Saturday, the Shorewomen compete at the Atlantic Collegiate League Sprints Regatta in Carlisle, PA.