George Washington University Athletics
George Washington University
<b>GW ROWING INVITATIONAL</b>
Women's Rowing Wins Wilkins Bowl at GW Invitational
4/7/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
April 7, 2012
WASHINGTON - The George Washington women's rowing team won two of three races against Navy to win the Howard W. Wilkins Bowl at the George Washington Invitational on the Potomac River on Saturday afternoon.
The Colonials totaled 90 points to win the Wilkins Bowl for the first time since the 2005 season and the second time in program history. MIT finished in second with 84 points followed by Saint Joseph's (81), Navy (56), Georgetown (12) and Duquesne.
"We are so proud to bring the Wilkins Bowl back to Foggy Bottom," said Head Coach Eric Carcich. "It hasn't been here since 2005 and it is the only second time we have ever won this trophy so it is a thrilling end to a great weekend of racing."
In Saturday's morning session, the Colonials easily swept four races against A-10 foe Duquesne, winning each race by an average margin of 18 seconds, to set up an afternoon showdown with the Naval Academy. The Colonials and Midshipmen had split competition at the Murphy Cup on March 25.
The Colonials needed to win two of the three afternoon races against Navy to clinch the Wilkins Bowl and did not disappoint. Despite falling in the Varsity 4 by eight seconds, the Colonials rebounded in two thrilling finishes in both the JV 8 and Varsity 8 events.
In the JV 8, both crews rowed stroke for stroke for the entire 2,000 meter course, but it was a late push by the Colonials in the final 50 meters that elevated them to victory. GW crossed the finish line in 6:37.70, just one second ahead of Navy (6:38.70).
The intense racing carried over to the Varsity 8 as again the two teams were never more than a half boat length apart during the race. In the end the Colonials edged Navy by seven-tenths of a second to clinch the Wilkins Bowl.
"We had two incredible duals with Navy, and to win the Wilkins Bowl over them was very special," said Coach Carcich. "We have to tip our cap to the Naval Academy. They are a well coached powerhouse in the sport of rowing."
Prior to the afternoon racing session, the Colonials held a boat christening to officially name their JV and Varsity shells. The JV shell - "Tenacity" - and varsity shell - "Revolution" - each won their races in the afternoon session after being christened with a bottle of champagne.
"In our sport of rowing, we don't get to have many home matches," said Coach Carcich. "To perform like we did in front of this incredible and vibrant crowd feels amazing. I am really proud of the way my girls rose to the occasion on our home river."
The Colonials return to action on April 21-22 at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championships on Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Lineups
Varsity 8
Coxswain: Meghan Kearns
Morgan Ellis
Megan Culberson
Bethany Grim
Sarah Pickus
Anna Kaminski
Maryann Grunseth
Amanda Young
Annie Morse
Second Varsity 8
Coxswain: Gabrielle Uzdin
Claire Ashcraft
Estee Gabel
Madison Townley
Helen Watson
Christine Popp
Julia Randle
Sarah Hill
Rachel Roth
Varsity 4
Coxswain: Hayley Dannehower
Emily Wilson
Morgan Oxenrider
Mackenzie Hovermale
Brittany Riley
3rd Varsity 8
Coxswain: Sam Bachert
Sarah Thompson
Gephen Sadove
Kendra Speak
Maley Hunt
Ana Clements
Ashley Trick
Elaine Murphy
Vanessa Morales
Players Mentioned
