George Washington University Athletics
George Washington University
MAISA Women's Fall Dinghy
Sailing Captures First Conference Title in Program History
10/26/2015 12:00:00 AM | Sailing
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Oct. 26, 2015
ST. MARY'S CITY, MARYLAND -- The George Washington sailing team made history on Sunday by capturing the program's first conference title as the Colonials defeated a talented field to win the MAISA Women's Fall Dinghy Championship at St. Mary's College of Maryland.
The Colonials were met by tricky racing conditions with shifting winds on Saturday, but put together a strong effort in the day's 10 races to build a big lead over Georgetown. On Sunday, with three races remaining, GW was able to fend off a late charge by the Hoyas.
In Division A, the Colonials boat skippered by Miranda Bakos and crewed by Belle Strachan was remarkably consistent. Racing in a 13-boat field, GW finished in the top 4 in each of the first 10 races, including one first-place finish and eight top 3 finishes. On Sunday, after finishing sixth in the day's first race, they wrapped up the division with a fourth-place and first-place finish, finishing with 39 points and well ahead of Georgetown (54).
Division B saw a tighter race between the Colonials and Hoyas, though GW's team of skipper Hannah McNomee and Madison Oleson was able to come out on top. GW won six of 13 races, including five in a row on Saturday. McNomee and Oleson finished with 41 points, just ahead of Georgetown (45).
"The girls sailed smartly throughout the weekend," said head coach John Pearce. "They were crisp, fast, and kept their composure. On Saturday they extended nicely to put a gap between Georgetown and us, and then we kept our cool and worked out of some tough situations on Sunday to make sure we stayed ahead. It's a real credit to all eight of our girls that were there - the four who sailed but also the four alternates who were ready to go. The competitive level of the whole team is really high and I'm very proud of them."
In addition to winning the championship, GW's sailors qualified for the Atlantic Coast Women's Championship which will be held from Nov. 14-15 at St. Mary's College of Maryland.
The Colonials were also in competition at the Kings Point Dinghy Open, where GW entered two boats and finished second and fifth in a field of 20.
Colonials 2, with skipper Adam DiDomizio and crew Matt Homa in A Division, and skipper Sam White and Alexandra Fayer in B Division, finished second. Colonials 1 was skippered by Daniel DelBello and crewed by Alexandra DelBello in A Division, and skippered by Derek Poon-Tip and crewed by Shira Golub in B Division, finished fifth.
GW was also in action at the MAISA Match Race Championships, finishing sixth out of eight boats.
Players Mentioned
