ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College women's rowing program opened its spring 2024 season at home on the Cayuga Inlet going against William Smith, Hamilton and Marietta. The races were contested in a duel format for most of the events.
 
A stiff north wind made for a cold day and challenging conditions.  While the start line is fairly protected at the top of the flood control channel. Crews racing in the first few races of the morning were facing white caps beyond the finish line. The varsity eight opened the day with a duel against William Smith, both eights raced neck and neck for the first 700 meters. Ithaca started to move in the second 500 and opened it up, finishing 17 seconds ahead William Smith as Ithaca put together a time of 7:58.5. The line-up was Caroline Hoskins, Taylor Volmrich, Lily Babcock, Laura Trainor, Maggie Farber, Erin Trojan, Kai Lincke, Samantha Gallagher and Emma Hammel.
 
Later in the day, the first varsity matched up against Hamilton for a second duel.  Hamilton led the Bombers off the start and continued to keep their bow out in front for most of the first 1000 meters.  Ithaca never let the Continentals get more than 3 seats.  Ithaca rowed strong in the third 500 and moved through and away.  Ithaca finished with a time of 7:52.0 to Hamilton's 8:01.6. 
 
The 2V eight had a solid race and finished 2nd in a three-boat race.  Hamilton was first with a time of 7:55.9. Ithaca finished in 8:20.6 and William Smith followed at 8:38.1. The Ithaca 3V eight (9:03.7) was outmatched by Hamilton's 3V (8:35.1). All nine athletes in the Ithaca boat were walk-ons and will improve with more racing. In addition to the three eight races, two four races were contested. 
 
The Ithaca novice 4 had a close race with William Smith, finishing 10 seconds back at the finish.  The last race of the day was the varsity 4.  Hamilton won with a time of 9:09.8, Ithaca was second (9:40.0) and William Smith finished third (10:09.9). A highlight of the regatta was the live drone coverage. The drone operators created a great view of the races for those not able to be on site and can be viewed here.
 
IC will return to action on Saturday, April 6 when it hosts RIT, the University of Rochester and William Smith College on the Cayuga Inlet for a 10 a.m. start.