MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College Women's Rowing team opened its fall racing season at home in the Head of the Muskingum Saturday (Oct. 10) on the Muskingum River. The Pioneers had a clean sweep in the four races they competed.

"I'm really happy with our performance today. We are still a young team, but they've committed to their development, put in the work, and it's paying off," Marietta head coach Annie Devorak said. "A clean sweep at home is a great way for them to set the tone for the season. I was especially pleased with our novice crew as they really showed some grit and strength today powering through their first race nerves."

The day started out strong with a win in the Women's Collegiate 8+. Marietta rowed a time of 17:19.42, which beat out Denison. This time also beat the Women's Open 8+ which raced at the same time but was scored as a different category. The MC women held the fasted time of a women's 8 for the day, including lineups from Harmar Rowing Club, Central Ohio, and Ohio University Rowing Club.

Marietta continued to make a statement in the Women's College 4+ with a win over a strong Denison crew with a time of 18:51.11, also beating the Women's Open 4 times. Despite struggling with a loose steering cable, coxswain Alexis Lang (Big Prairie, Ohio/West Holmes) steered to the best of her ability and managed to come out on top.

The sweep continued with Lilith Rodriguez's (Oakwood, Ohio/Oakwood) collegiate debut. Reigning junior national champion in the PR2 single, Rodriguez continued her record with a strong showing in her single with a time of 23:49.70.

The Pioneers finished with the Women's College Novice 4. Four true novices, all learning how to row this fall season, put together their fastest and strongest piece of the season.

Up next for the Pioneers is the Yinzer Cup in Pittsburgh on Saturday (Oct. 17).

Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.


Results

Women's Collegiate 8+
1. Marietta (17:19.42), 2. Denison (20:17.51)

Marietta: coxswain: Alexis Lang (Big Prairie, Ohio/West Holmes), stroke: Avery Kurman (Galloway, N.J./Atlantic County Insitute of Technology), 7: Lauren Staley (Cincinnati, Ohio/Walnut Hills), 6: Sarah Pettey (Fleming, Ohio/Warren), 5: Willow Schulde (Litchfield, Conn./Lakeview), 4: Asiyah Rana (Akron, Ohio/Firestone), 3: Teagan Klaner (Waynesvurg, Pa./Waynesburg Central), 2: Campbell Anne Friend (Leesburg, Ohio/Fairfield), bow: Camilla Suarez (Hutchins, Texas/Townview Magnet Center)

Women's Collegiate 4+
1. Marietta (18:51.11), 2. Denison (19:08.49)

Marietta: coxswain: Alexis Lang (Big Prairie, Ohio/West Holmes), stroke: Sarah Pettey (Fleming, Ohio/Warren), 3: Lauren Staley (Cincinnati, Ohio/Walnut Hills), 2: Avery Kurman (Galloway, N.J./Atlantic County Insitute of Technology), bow: Willow Schulde (Litchfield, Conn./Lakeview)

Women's Single
Lilith Rodriguez (Oakwood, Ohio/Oakwood) (23:49.70)    1st

Women's Novice 4+
Marietta (22:35.34)

Marietta: coxswain: Lilith Rodriguez (Oakwood, Ohio/Oakwood), stroke: Cora Sweeney (Proctor, W.Va./Magnolia), 3: Hana Humphreys (Charleston, W.Va./Sissonville), 2: Layna Leach (Diamond, Ohio/Firestone), bow: Camilla Suarez (Hutchins, Texas/Townview Magnet Center)