In front of a crowd of approximately 250 spectators members of the men’s and women’s crew teams competed in dual meet action against UCAA conference opponent Union College on April 12. The Red Hawk crew teams raced in dominating fashion winning three of four events.
In the varsity women’s 8-person event, Rensselaer defeated the Dutchwomen crew team, with times of 6:55.27 to 7:07.55, respectively. “We made some significant line-up changes for this week’s race,” said Coach Todd Rutecki, “It paid off. Union’s boat was an honorable mention in the NCAA rankings. More importantly, it reflects what kind of work these athletes have been putting in over the last few months.”
The Red Hawk crew was made up of Chip Boyd, Elizabeth Montabana, Amanda Smith, Keri Kiernan, Kelly Borst, Jessica Magnus, Diana Lauring, Elizabeth Widmeyer, and Laura Pisterzi.
In the women’s second varsity 8-person race, Rensselaer defeated Union in a contest that was tightly contested over 2000 meters. Union jumped out to an early lead and held it for the first 1000 meters before Rensselaer made a decisive move and took the lead into the final stretch for a time of 7:36.54 versus the Dutchwomen’s 7:42.89.
In the men’s events, the varsity 8+ went stroke for stroke with Union for the duration of the race finishing in a time of 6:22.72. Union finished tightly behind with a time of 6:24.63. Rensselaer’s second entry in the event finished in 6:53.31. In the novice men’s 8+, Union commanded the race from the beginning finishing in a time of 6:40.89. Rensslear’s two entries finished in times of 7:10.59 and 7:26.31.
In other racing action, the women’s second varsity 8+ continued their undefeated season by dominating Russell Sage College in 7:29.68 versus 8:15.36 for the Sage team. They are now 3-0 on the season.
The men’s and women’s crew will next compete on April 26 in Saratoga Springs. The women will square off against Skidmore College and Mt. Holyoke College, which is currently ranked 12th in the nation according to the most recent NCAA poll. The men will competing against the University at Albany and Skidmore.
