October 16, 2005
WC Competes at Occoquan Chase
Shorewomen Finish 8th of 19 Boats in Open Eight

LORTON, VA -- The Washington College women's rowing team opened its fall 2005 regatta schedule today at the Occoquan Chase in Lorton, VA. Washington finished eighth of 19 boats in the Women's Open Eight and 10th of 12 boats in the Women's Open Four.

The Shorewomen completed the Women's Open Eight in 16:42.79, 13 seconds ahead of ninth-place William & Mary. Georgetown won the race in 15:51.71. Washington's boat was the fourth collegiate boat to finish.

In her first collegiate race, sophomore Laura Messerly (Highland, MD/River Hill) served as the coxswain of the Shorewomen's open eight. Senior Katherine Wilson (Devon, PA/Conestoga) sat stroke, senior Leslie Meredith (Fort Bragg, NC/Lake Braddock, VA) was in the seven seat, junior Jeanne Clark (Pound Ridge, NY/Fox Lane) sat in the six seat, sophomore Laura Ratz (Annaplolis, MD/Annapolis) was in the five seat, junior Blair Haring (Oley, PA/Oley Valley) was in the four seat, senior Betsy Davis (Pitman, NJ/Pitman) was in the three seat, junior Megan Walburn (Severna Park, MD/Severna Park) sat in the two seat, and sophomore Courtney Jensen (Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) was the bow.

Washington completed the Women's Open Four in 19:28.01. Alexandria Community Rowing won the race in 17:52.01. George Mason finished third in the race to pace all collegiate boats.

Sophomore Ashleigh Genevich (Avon Grove, PA/Avon Grove) was the coxswain of the Shorewomen's open four. Sophomore Kelly Spicer (Towson, MD/Loch Raven) sat stroke, sophomore Hayley Taylor (Tyaskin, MD/Geneva Academy) was in the three seat, sophomore Marian Robbins (Cambridge, MD/Cambridge-South Dorchester) sat in the two seat, and sophomore Ashton Kluttz (Middle River, MD/Roland Park Country School) was the bow.

The Shorewomen return to action next Saturday and Sunday at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, MA.