Oct. 14, 2008

The Mason women's rowing team opened their fall season as they hosted the Occoquan Chase on Sunday afternoon. The Patriots had two boats finish second, including the highest finish in the Open 8+ since 2002.

Mason entered four Open Women 8+ and three Open Women 4+ boats. This is the biggest varsity squad Mason has ever had with four Varsity 8+ boats. "That has created a lot of competition for seats this year," Head Coach Geoff Dillard said. "Right now we are just trying to mesh together as a team and get everyone on the same page. We have a lot of potential and when we come together as a team our boats will take off."

There were 13 boats racing in the Open Women's 8+, including Mason's four. The Patriots finished 2nd, 6th, 7th and 11th behind the winning boat from University of North Carolina. In the Open Women 4+, the University of North Carolina again came in first in the 12 boat race. Mason's three boats finished 2nd, 6th and 8th.

"This was the best finish at the Chase in the Open 8+ since 2002, but I think the boat has a lot of room for improvement, which is very encouraging. Our third Varsity 8+ had an impressive race finishing just 8 seconds behind our second Varsity 8+. The depth will make us a very strong team come our championship season in the spring."

"Our goals during the Fall season is to come together as a team, improve our technical skills, and really learn how to move the boat efficiently. We will try several boat combinations and look to improve from week to week."

The Patriots will travel to Boston for the Head of the Charles this weekend. Mason will be racing in the Championship Women's 8+ on Sunday at 4:30pm in Boston, MA.