The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s rowing team showcased its strength at the Upper Schuylkill Challenge, securing first-place finishes in both the First Varsity 8+ and Second Varsity 8+ races. The event, held on the Schuylkill River, pitted the Seahawks against competitors from Bryn Mawr College and Franklin & Marshall College in a series of 2,000-meter races. The team’s performance signals a strong start to their spring season.
In the Women’s First Varsity 8+ race, the Seahawks outpaced Bryn Mawr and Franklin & Marshall, crossing the finish line with a winning time of 7:04.6. The squad, led by coxswain Tiffany Dioko, featured rowers Erin Rhodes, Abby Shackelford, Haley Roche, Elise Kinyanjui, Claire Thompson, Charlotte Hope, Anna Culver, and Nadia Velasco at the bow. Their victory highlighted the team’s coordination and power over the challenging course.
The Second Varsity 8+ squad followed suit, claiming first place against two Bryn Mawr teams with a time of 7:14.4. Coxswain Gabriella Zimlich-Vazquez guided the crew, which included Gabriella Hannan, Lara Pauw, Alex Cumber, Kate Wachter, Vicky Mathis, Olivia Barr, Abby Rowe, and Adina Field at the bow. The win underscored the depth of talent within the St. Mary’s program, as both varsity squads outperformed their opponents.
The Upper Schuylkill Challenge, hosted on a river known for its competitive rowing history, provided a scenic yet demanding backdrop. The Schuylkill River has long been a hub for collegiate rowing, with events like the Dad Vail Regatta drawing teams nationwide, according to the Schuylkill Navy’s historical records. St. Mary’s success in this early-season meet sets a promising tone as they build toward larger competitions.
While the First Varsity 4+ lineup was listed—featuring coxswain Nova Wagner, Clare Ahunhodjaev, Elly Bauer, Haylie Katz, and Ryn Schiavone at the bow—no race results were provided for this crew. Their participation reflects the team’s commitment to developing multiple lineups for upcoming events.
The Seahawks’ next challenge is the Knecht Cup, scheduled for April 12 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. This regatta, one of the region’s prominent spring events, will test the team against a broader field of collegiate programs. The St. Mary’s athletics website confirms the date, signaling a quick turnaround for the squads to refine their performance.
St. Mary’s College, a Division III institution, has steadily built its rowing program into a competitive force within the Mid-Atlantic region. The Upper Schuylkill Challenge results align with the team’s recent efforts to excel in varsity 8+ events, a cornerstone of collegiate rowing. According to the NCAA, the 2,000-meter distance is standard for such races, requiring endurance and precision—qualities the Seahawks demonstrated in their victories.
The team’s depth was evident in the distinct lineups for each boat, blending experienced rowers with emerging talent. Coaches will likely look to these performances as they prepare for the Knecht Cup and beyond, aiming to maintain momentum through the spring season.
