March 13, 2008

Spring Break Photo Gallery

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Coming off its second consecutive Patriot League championship, the Bucknell women's rowing team is predicted to once again finish first, according to the Patriot League Preseason Poll, announced Thursday by the league office. The Bison claimed eight of the 10 first-place votes, finishing seven points ahead of second-place Navy in the annual polling of the league's head coaches and sports information directors.

Bucknell totaled 32 points in the voting, while the Mids accumulated 25. Those two teams combined have won all three of the Patriot League titles since the Patriot League added women's rowing as its 23rd sport prior to the 2005 season. Colgate (19 points), Lehigh (14) and Holy Cross (10) rounded out the list.

In addition to winning its second straight Patriot League title last spring, the Bison won championships at the Head of the Charles, Murphy Cup, ECAC Metro Championship and the IRA Lightweight National Championship. They return All-Patriot League veterans Katherine Brewster-Duffy, Whittney Henry and Jeweliet Yost. Brewster-Duffy was also a CRCA All-America selection, while Henry and Yost were named CRCA All-Region last year.

Bucknell is currently on its spring training trip in Elberton, Ga., and competed against George Mason on Wednesday. The Bison swept various varsity eight, second varsity eight and varsity four races from the Patriots. Additionally, the novice eight won five of six events against George Mason.

"Our spring training trip is progressing well and I am excited about the season getting underway," commented Bucknell head coach Stephen Kish after the team's second scrimmage of the week.

Bucknell, which faced Boston College earlier in the week, will return to Lewisburg this weekend with the conclusion of Spring Break. Its next competition will be next Friday, March 21, when it travels to Virginia to face the Cavaliers on the Rivanna Reservoir. The following day the Bison will take on Delaware and George Mason in Fairfax, Va.

2008 Patriot League Preseason Poll
1. Bucknell, 32 (8)
2. Navy, 25 (2)
3. Colgate, 19
4. Lehigh, 14
5. Holy Cross, 10
First-place votes in parentheses