Weather helps Irish soar above Flyers
By CHRISTINE ARMSTRONG
Sports Writer
Though poor conditions prevented Notre Dame from competing against Michigan State on Saturday, the Irish enjoyed Sunday's sunny skies, a warm breeze and a strong fan turnout as they annihilated the University of Dayton. In the 2000 meter dual regatta, held on the St. Joseph River, the Irish boats swept all seven races. In the varsity eight race, the Irish crew of coxswain Cassie Markstahler, Natalie Ladine, Ashlee Warren, Casey Buckstaff, Rachel Polinski, Alice Bartek, Meghan Boyle, Katie Chenoweth and Danielle Protasewich finished first in six minutes, 59 seconds, a solid 33 seconds ahead of the Flyers.
"The weather conditions were finally in our favor. Our boat was ahead of Dayton from the start. This race will set the foundation for our boat against [Michigan State]," said Danielle Protasewich.
Notre Dame's coxswain Kathryn Long, Shannon Mohan, Kerri Murphy, Kathleen Welsh, Meredith Thornburgh, Kati Sedun, Devon Hegeman, Erica Drennen and Melissa Felker led the Irish to a tremendous victory in the second varsity eight race. The Irish easily took first place in 7:19.20. The Flyers trailed, finishing almost a full minute behind, with a time of 8:14.15.
In the varsity four, Notre Dame's coxswain Kacy McCaffrey, Katie McCalden, Christy Donnelly, Katie O'Hara and Andrea Amoni finished 36 seconds ahead of Dayton, posting a first-place time of 8:14.30. After crossing the finish line, McCaffrey waved enthusiastically to cheering Notre Dame fans that lined the bridge above.
"It was a nice way to make up for not being able to race yesterday," said Katie McCalden.
In the second varsity four race, the Notre Dame B boat of coxswain Maureen Gibbons, Ann Mulligan, Jacqueline Hazen, Antionette Duck and Megan Sanders finished in 8:35.20, 11 seconds ahead of the Notre Dame C crew. The A crew was first in 8:05.90, while the B crew finished in 8:29.95.
The Irish novice crews also had stellar performances as the boat of coxswain Shannan Lettieri, Pamela Jefson, Julie Lewis, Morgan Ertel, Danielle Stealy, Jenna Redgate, Catherine Schmidt, Andrea Doud and Sarah French, had a 7:37.30 first-place finish, while the Flyers posted a time of 7:59.08. The Irish second novice eight had an astonishing performance, defeating Dayton by over a minute. Coxswain Alison Kelly, Megan Sheehan, Meghan O'Neil, Nikki Karis, Fallon Shields, Laura Joyce, Marcia Luttio, Katie Hanafin and Rachel Kemp finished in 8:04.90, while Dayton posted a time of 9:07.28. After the winning all seven races, the delighted rowers joined family and friends for a barbecue along the river.
"We're pleased with the turnout and seeing people at the start and at each bridge. We really appreciate our fans." Stealy said.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, April 15, 2003
