March 17, 2012

CHERRY HILL, N.J. - The Loyola University Maryland men's and women's varsity four boats each notched victories at the Jesuit Invitational on Saturday held in Cherry Hill, N.J., and hosted by St. Joseph's University.

In the first action of the spring season for both teams, the Greyhounds performed well, gaining early leads over their opponents and holding for the duration of the course.

"The teams raced well," said head coach Al Ramirez. "Both teams struggled with a little raw speed retention through the 1,500 meter marks, but were able to finish strongly."

The women's varsity four that including coxswain Katherine Griffin, Andrea Almeida, Margaret Ajello, Catriona Miller and Julianne Roccuzzo finished the course in 8:33, beating out teams from St. Joseph's and Fairfield.

The men's varsity four of coxswain Thomas Quinn, Christopher Golon, Ryan Walsh, Joe Wawrynski and Thomas Kelly also finished first in 7:36, ahead of Fairfield.

The Greyhounds also sent a pair of novice groups to the regatta, with both the women's freshman four and men's novice eight finishing in third place.

The women's freshman four finished in 9:12, behind second-place Fairfield and first-place Boston College. The men's novice eight finished in 7:41.44, behind Fairfield and Georgetown.

"The novice groups rowed a strong race," said assistant coach Stefan Koch. "We're looking forward to further gains next week."

The Greyhounds are back in action next weekend at the Murphy Cup in Philadelphia, Pa., on March 24.