"Out of my three years coaching at Dartmouth, it was the most focused and consistently performing team," Pearce said. "If I had to give a grade for the season, I'd say A-, but only because we didn't win one of the big regattas. We beat multiple top teams during the season, but not winning a big regatta is my only disappointment However, that definitely does not diminish how successful we were this year."
The lack of wind during the semifinals caused the event's cancellation and an old format of qualification for the finals was used.
The nine teams that advanced to the finals were based on each team's respective performance in their conference championships.
"It takes pretty weird weather to cancel sailing for two straight days, but that's just the way it goes sometimes," Pearce said. "When you come to sail in the Mid-West, it's very difficult to get wind from any bodies of water. Wind comes from weather patterns and thunderstorms around here."
Because the Big Green came in seventh place at the Women's New England Championships, Dartmouth was not one of the nine teams who qualified uncontested for the finals.
The team went into the championships ranked No. 10 in the nation and with high hopes of achieving a top place in the finals.
"It was very frustrating for us because we had to be ready at all times in case there was any chance of us sailing," Pearce said. "Our A division team went out seven times, only to be towed back in because of the lack of wind. We had to keep our focus and mindset ready for hours, which were very exhausting."
The abrupt finish to the season also means the end of the collegiate sailing careers of Becca Dellenbaugh '10 and Stephanie Gagnon '10. Both were key members of the team, which flourished this season and gained national attention.
Dellenbaugh was named to the 2010 All New England Women's First Team Skippers earlier this season, proving her leadership and strong performances caught the attention of many outside of the Dartmouth sailing community.
Gagnon was named to the 2010 All New England Women's First Team Crews because she did particularly well when she was presented with an opportunity to showcase her talent over the course of this season.
The team will certainly be in contention once again next season, as Rachel Moncton '12 and Chandler Salisbury '13, both of whom continuously excelled in tough regattas, will be returning with much experience.
"Experience will be a huge asset for the girls that are coming back next year," Pearce said. "Even though they didn't sail at Nationals, they at least saw the competition and what it takes to get to that level. I believe they will show the confidence and motivation to succeed next season and make it to Nationals."
Moncton, a member of Dellenbaugh's crew, was also named to the 2010 All New England Women's First Team Crews earlier this season for her efforts.
Salisbury made her rookie debut this Spring and made an impact on the team from the start. Her collegiate sailing unveiling came at the St. Mary's Women's Intersectional in March, when she helped the team to a seventh place finish. Salisbury and Gagnon placed sixth in the B division at the St. Mary's regatta.
"It's going to be a real young team next year," Pearce said. "We're getting four freshmen on our team, but it's going to be a real rewarding experience for them, as they're going to have girls on the team who made it to the big stage and can show them what they need to do to get there."
