2008-09 Season Recap

• 2008-09 Schedule and Results
• 2008 Fall Roster
• 2009 Spring Roster

Under the direction of 18th year head coach Jeanne Friedman, the Mount Holyoke College crew team posted outstanding results in 2008-09. Leading the way was senior Sarah Gray, who was voted to both the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) All-Conference Team and the Seven Sisters All-Regatta Team. Additionally, she was selected to receive Mount Holyoke’s Alumnae Association Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award.

In their season opener, the Lyons participated in the Head of the Riverfront Regatta (10/5/08). Gray and classmate Elissa Center took home first place in the open double to highlight the day. Two weeks later, they took part in the 44th annual Head of the Charles Regatta (10/18/08), grabbing 18th place in the Collegiate Eights Division and 21st place in the Club Fours Division.

Mount Holyoke captured top honors at the 22nd annual Seven Sisters Regatta to close out its fall slate (10/25/08). It was Lyons championship best eighth all-time title at the event. They also came out on top in 2005, when the competition last occurred. Gray, along with sophomores Cleo Schneider and Elizabeth Bernal were each voted to the All-Regatta Team.

The team took part in seven competitions during the spring, consistently producing top notch results. Five of their events took place on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, Mass.

At the NEWMAC Championships (4/18/09), Mount Holyoke amassed 22 points to secure third place in the Florence Jope Smith Cup Point standings. Gray and junior Mya Steadman were selected to the NEWMAC All-Conference Varsity Team, while first year Hannah Blackmer earned NEWMAC All-Conference Novice Team accolades.

The Lyons competed in the New England Rowing Championships (5/2/09) and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) National Invitational Collegiate Regatta (5/9/09) to round out their 2008-09 campaign. At the New England Rowing Championships, the varsity eight boat grabbed third place in the Petite Final. They were the ninth best squad overall and ranked sixth among NCAA Division III competitors. In the novice division, Mount Holyoke secured sixth place in the Grand Final. The Lyons wrapped up their season at the ECAC Championships the following weekend. High winds and rough water conditions forced the cancellation of the majority of the competition’s races.