Lady Pioneers open 2007 season at Governor’s Cup
Marietta went head-to-head against Columbia and host FIT

March 17, 2007
FELLSMERE, Florida — The Marietta College women's crew season officially got under way Saturday (March 17) when the team capped off a week of training by competing at the Governor's Cup, hosted by the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), on Canal 54.

The Lady Pioneers knew that they would be outmatched by its Division I opponents FIT and Columbia University. Marietta, however, came away from the event knowing a lot more about itself as a team and eager to continue its development.

"All of the ladies had a great attitude this week," said Head Coach Karen Glowacki. "Early in the season we are focused on the process rather than the outcome. We will continue to progress as we move away from thinking during the race and just let our instincts take over. This only comes with time and miles."

Marietta's Varsity Eight, which included sophomore Krista Tkacz (Egg Harbor, N.J./) at bow, junior Meredith Hay (Berwick, ME/Marshwood) in seat two, senior Jenny Sayles (Lakewood) in seat three, freshman Angela Sefcik (Garfield Heights) in seat four, freshman Katherine Racy (Lakewood) in seat five, freshman Colleen Aitken (Concord, N.H.) in seat six, freshman Lindsay Barton (Swarthmore, Pa./Archbishop Prendengast) in seat seven, Amy Epling (Parkersburg, W.Va.) at stroke and junior Saira Khan (Galloway Township, N.J./Absegami) at coxswain, finished its race in 7:54.4.

"The Varsity Eight executed its game plan," said Glowacki. "Their ability to move the boat smoothly at the end of the race shows the potential that they have to improve as the ladies get more time together on the water."

The Pioneers' Varsity Four, which included sophomore Anjouli Dapice (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Catholic) at bow, junior Meg Foraker (New Lexington/Culver Academy) in seat two, Caitlin Piotrowski (Dublin/Dublin Jerome) in seat three, junior Kim Becker (Egg Harbor, N.J.) at stroke and freshman Lauren Talasnik (Mays Landing, N.J./Oakcrest) at coxswain, featured many of the team's seasoned rowers. The shell placed second in its event, crossing the line in 7:48.2.  FIT (7:45.0) won the race, while Columbia (7:58.1) took third.

"The Varsity Four had trouble sprinting for the line and gave up its lead to FIT," said Glowacki. "We knew going in that our finish was an area to work on early in the season. Overall, it was a solid race for the short amount of time that we were on the water prior to the race."

Marietta swapped personnel, inserting sophomore Brittany Durand (Danielson, Conn./Pomfret School) into the sixth seat of the Varsity Eight, and went back on the water to compete in the Freshmen/Novice Eight race, where it crossed the line in third place with a time of 7:44.5.

"The shell executed its game plan again, making it a tight race through the first 1,000m," said Glowacki. "While we faded slightly at the end, we are confident that we can improve and be ready to peak when we need to later in the season."

Marietta continues the early part of its season against non NCAA Division III opponents when it travels to Indianapolis, Indiana, Saturday (March 24) for the 52nd annual MC/Purdue Challenge Cup.