Dartmouth women's crew opened up its 2004 season with races against Boston College, Northeastern University and the University of Buffalo April 3 on the Charles River in Cambridge, Mass. Claiming two victories, the Big Green had a good test ahead of their first home regatta next weekend.
In an exciting varsity eight race with a moderate to strong tailwind, the Big Green was within a seat or two of the Huskies and the Eagles until the last 500 meters before those crews pulled away. Northeastern won the race in 6:44.7, while Boston College was second in 6:46.6. Dartmouth took third in a time of 6:49.1, defeating Buffalo, who finished in 6:53.7.
"I think that with feel that with more water time the boat can improve their ability to swing together towards the end of the race," said coach Molly McHugh.
The Big Green fared better in second varsity eights and novice eights. Dartmouth edged Boston College in the second varsity race, 7:04.0 to 7:05.4, leading the whole way down the course. Boston College put up a big push towards the end but Dartmouth was able to hold them off.
"What was impressive about this boat's performance was their determination in the middle of the race to stay ahead," said McHugh, obviously happy with the result.
Buffalo finished in 7:08.5, well ahead of Northeastern's 7:24.3.
The Dartmouth novice eight provided the biggest margin of victory for the Big Green in what was probably the most dramatic race. Buffalo took control early on, while Dartmouth and Northeastern were battling in the middle.
Eventually, in the second 1000, the Big Green rowers stepped up and covered the course in 7:01.5 to outdistance Northeastern, who finished in 7:03.7. Buffalo was third with a 7:06.6 clocking and the Eagles were last at 7:10.6.
In the varsity fours race, Dartmouth was edged by Boston College, 8:07.1 to 8:09.3, and Buffalo was third in 8:19.7.
"We put up a good fight," said McHugh.
A second varsity fours race was also contested and the Eagles defeated two Dartmouth entries by open water.
The bar is certainly set high for the women crew this season and captain Erica Finsness '04 is certainly aware of that.
"This race was the first chance for the team to really test out our speed against crews in our league. For all of the crews, this race set a standard to be bettered every practice this week so that we can go even faster this upcoming weekend in our first home race," she said.
The Big Green will host Yale and Boston University on Saturday, April 10, at 8:30 a.m.
"We will be facing two crews currently ranked in the top 15 in the country. It will be a good benchmark of where we stand at this point in the year," said McHugh.
