Endicott Crew Kicks Off Spring Season

LOWELL, Mass. – The Endicott crew team kicked off their spring season in Lowell against Mass Maritime, Brandeis, Bryant, Roger Williams, and Wentworth on the Merrimack River at UMass Lowell's Belleguade Boathouse. Though it rained all day, all boats had a strong showing on the 2,000 meter course.

The day started off with the Women's Novice 4+. The women had a strong start off the line and held strong throughout the race.

Freshmen Victoria Ziolek (Nashua, N.H.) said, "Our main goal was not to beat everyone, but focus on staying in sync and keep our catches together." The boat stayed with the other boats and made a move once they had 1500 meters down and we were able to pass Mass Maritime. They continued to push and almost reached the second place boat, but crossed the finish line before they were able to. They placed third in their race."

The Women's Varsity 4+ raced next, placing fourth. The boat was slow to start, but maintained a high stroke rating throughout to make up for it. Senior Erika Mercieri (Monson, Mass.) remembers being neck and neck with another boat, but not being able to pass it. After being passed, the boat felt powerful and together, but they could not catch up.

Junior coxswain Steph Leone (Oxford, Conn.) called several power tens after the 1000 meter mark, which helped increase the gap between Endicott and Mass Maritime, who came in fifth place.

The Men's Varsity 4+ came in third place. Their race started off well, but their endurance declined as the race went on. They made a nice move around the 1000 meter mark, but could not keep the momentum going. Sophomore Jake Somosky (Glastonbury, Conn.) said, "It was a good stepping stone for our team and something we can build on in the future."

The Women's Varsity 8 finished up the day for Endicott, finishing third. The eight had not practiced together much over the previous week in the racing lineup, and went into the race hoping to keep the boat set and to have some fun. Early on they passed Mass. Martime and remained within one boats-length of the next boat until the 1000 meter mark. From there, the next boat made a nice move and Endicott could not respond. Sophomore Rachele Stein (Washington, D.C.) said of the race, "Our stat was strong, we were all together and it felt as if we rowed as a whole."

Endicott Crew races next weekend at Lake Quinsigamond. 

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