Bates’ women’s varsity eight won its grand final at the ECAC National Invitational Rowing Championships, claiming the NESCAC title, and the league’s automatic bid into the NCAA Championships to gain Bobcat of the Week accolades for the week of May 5-11.
The Bobcats captured the grand final of the women’s varsity eight, which acts as the NESCAC Championship, in a time of 6:51.316, edging second-place Williams (6:54.993) and third-place Trinity (6:56.631). Bates won the title for the first time since it was instituted in 2002 after finishing second in each of the last three seasons.
With the victory, the women’s rowing program earned its eighth-straight bid to the NCAA Championships. Bates has finished in second at the event in each of the last five years.
The varsity eight rowed its way into the grand final on Sunday after winning its heat with a time of 6:48.017, leading the team to an undefeated 35-0 mark on the day.
The NCAA Championships begin on May 30 in Indianapolis.
Women’s Varsity Eight:
Cox: Gabriella Bilotta, stroke: Michelle Kelley, 7: Alison Simmons, 6: Heather Monty, 5: Alexandra Hill, 4: Emma Taylor, 3: Elizabeth Sangree, 2: Jenna Armstrong, bow: Sarah Murphy.
