Oct. 18, 2008

Boston, Mass. - Competing in their first race as a varsity program, the Lady Monarchs of Old Dominion University turned in a solid showing in the Club Fours at the prestigious Head of the Charles in Boston.

ODU's boat consisting of Kady Stapp (Coxswain), Alicia Smith (Stroke), Ashley Olmstead (2), Marie Gately (3) and Meredith McPherson (Bow), finished in 30th place in the 39-team field with a time of 21:11.920. Riverside Boat Club claimed the top spot, as Clemson and the Ottawa Rowing Club rounded out the top three.

"Today's race was an acceptable performance by a very young crew in a deep field," said head coach Heather Weisel. "The experience was what we wanted for our very first competition. The athletes had the opportunity to race in one of the most historic American regattas, meet Olympic gold medal athletes face to face and start to get a sense of what is to come. I'm proud of their effort and look forward to building from here."