WORCESTER, Mass. (Apr. 21, 2012) – The Mount Holyoke College crew team took part in the NEWMAC Championship this morning on Lake Quinsigamond. Wellesley College claimed top honors at the event for the second year in a row and third time overall.

The Blue won the varsity eight race with a time of 7:26.4. They finished just in front on the Coast Guard Academy, which crossed the line in 7:30.3. Rounding out the field were Smith College (7:37.3), WPI (7:38.1), Mount Holyoke (8:02.1) and Clark University (8:17.3).

In addition to its first place finish in the varsity eight race, Wellesley won the Florence Jope Smith Cup, which is awarded to the program with the most overall points in the day's races. It was the second straight year that the Blue captured the cup. They accumulated 30 points on the day to finish in front of Smith (26), WPI (18), Coast Guard (16), Mount Holyoke (10) and Clark (2).

Wellesley claimed top honors in both the second varsity eight (7:43.9) and novice eight (7:49.2) races. Meanwhile, Smith took home top honors in the third varsity eight race (8:01.5). Mount Holyoke boats posted times of 8:16.0, 8:10.1 and 8:43.8 in those three events.

The 2012 NEWMAC All-Conference Teams were announced at the conclusion of the day. Representing Mount Holyoke on the varsity squad were senior Carol Still and sophomore Hattie Gemerchak. They were joined by Genevieve DeAngelis and Katy Nowoswiat of Clark, Holly Madden and Sarah Jane Otey of Coast Guard, Jessica Frey and Patty Suquilanda of Wellesley and Brooke Cotta and Suzanna Kelley of WPI.

Mount Holyoke first year Samantha Marsden earned novice team accolades. Other members of the squad were Katie Baldyga of Clark, Brynna Cooke of Coast Guard, Samantha Marsden of Mount Holyoke, Caroline Finn of Smith, Loren Lock of Wellesley and Corre Steele of WPI.

The Lyons will be off until Saturday, May 5, when they compete in the New England Rowing Championships at Lake Quinsigamond.

2012 NEWMAC Women's Rowing Championship

1- Novice 8

1. Wellesley – 7:49.2
2. Smith – 7:59.2
3. Mount Holyoke – 8:10.1
4. Coast Guard – 8:10.1

3 – Varsity 8

1. Smith – 8:01.5
2. WPI – 8:02.2
3. Mount Holyoke – 8:43.8

2 – Varsity 8

1. Wellesley – 7:43.9
2. WPI – 7:49.6
3. Smith – 7:56.4
4. Coast Guard – 8:02.2
5. Mount Holyoke – 8:16.0

1 – Varsity 8

1. Wellesley – 7:26.4
2. Coast Guard – 7:30.3
3. Smith – 7:37.3
4. WPI – 7:38.1
5. Mount Holyoke – 8:02.1
6. Clark – 8:17.3

Florence Cup

1. Wellesley – 30 points
2. Smith – 26 points
3. WPI – 18 points
4. Coast Guard – 16 points
5. Mount Holyoke – 10 points
6. Clark – 2 points