Lady Pioneers ready for Purdue Challenge

Mar. 25, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio - The Marietta College women's crew team continues its spring season this weekend (Mar. 26) when it competes at the MC vs. Purdue Challenge. Drake's women will also be in Indianapolis, Indiana for the event, which will be held on Eagle Creek Reservoir, the site of the 1994 World Championships. This year marks the 50th meeting between the Pioneers and the Boilermakers in this event. Action gets underway Saturday at 3 p.m.

"Coach Sands and I are confident that the ladies will race well this weekend," said Head Coach Karen Glowacki, who is in her third season leading the Lady Pioneers. "It's not so much about winning as it is about making a statement. We will let the results speak for themselves. Purdue is a great tradition, and I would love for our seniors to walk away with some (betting) shirts."

Glowacki is bringing two boats into the race, a Varsity Eight and a JV Eight. The members of the Varsity Eight include Meredith Rogers, Lindsey Letterle, Dorothy Klaiber, Kelsey McNamara, Kim Becker, Amanda Stoner, Vanessa Pfab, Meg Foraker and Megan Rogers.

"The V8 showed at the Keuper Cup that they are picking up right where they left off at Dad Vails last year," added Glowacki. "We have used the last two weeks very productively and I think Purdue will be surprised."

The Junior Varsity Eight is comprised of Dana Carnall, Amanda Chuderewicz, Sarah Henry, Corinne Mees, Ashley Reed, Rita Soworowski, Brittany Mayhew, Meredith Hay and Jenny Sayles.

"This is a young boat with a very steep learning curve," said Glowacki when asked about the JV Eight. "They have made huge improvements since their first race (Keuper Cup) that should result in a lot more speed."

Marietta, who is ranked 14th in the USRowing/Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association NCAA Division III Varsity Eight Coaches Preseason Poll, will return home next weekend (Apr. 2) for the 11th annual Marietta Invitational, which will be held on the Muskingum River.