The St. Lawrence University women's crew team opened its 2010-11 season, traveling to Rome, NY to take part in the Bridge to Bridge Head Race hosted by Hamilton College. 

"We continue to make technical progress with even lineups in the varsity eights," Coach Nick Hughes said.  "Our strength and fitness is an encouraging indicator of our team's potential this year." 

The Saints rowed two even boats in the women's eight event.  Both boats finished less than a second apart, with the "B" boat rowing 25:33.55 for third place and the "A" boat rowing 25:34.33 for fourth place.  The "B" boat finished less than 20 seconds behind Hamilton's "A" boat (25:14.29) and less than 45 seconds behind Colgate's first place boat (24:48.62). 

"Right now, given the team's relative youth, producing boat speed with that power requires a high degree of focus and concentration," said Coach Hughes.  "When the women are mindful, the boats move well, but when the focus wanes, they struggle to realize the fullest measure of that potential. 

In the Novice 8, St. Lawrence posted a first place finish, over a minute faster than Hamilton's second place boat. 

"The novice women demonstrated how much progress they've made so far this season," Coach Hughes added.  "They looked extraordinarily long and relaxed, especially since it was the first official race for many of them.  If they continue to improve their technique and fitness at that rate, they're in for an exciting year."

In the Varsity 4 race, the Saints rowed two boats that came in fourth and fifth place, just six seconds apart.  The "B" boat earned a time of 27:31.06, less than 30 seconds behind the third place boat and over 2:30 faster than the sixth place boat. 

"On Saturday, we made our way down the course in fits and starts," said Coach Hughes.  "We've set a goal to be more consistently intentional about our rowing, at practice and during races."

The Saints will travel to Rochester, NY to take part in the Head of the Genesee race on October 16th.