FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Three Fairfield University women's rowers earned a spot on the College Rowing Coaches Association's National Scholar Athlete Team. Mary Crowley (Skaneateles, N.Y.), Samantha Rosen (Norwell, Mass.), and Karisten Strong (Oxford, Conn.) received the honor from the national organization after posting a grade-point average of better than 3.50.

            The three student athletes competed in every spring event this season, including the Metropolitan Spring Championships. The threesome was part of the varsity eight boat this year. Rosen also contributed to the Stags' cause as a member of the varsity four, while Crowley competed with the varsity pair during the campaign.

            Crowley, Rosen, and Strong also received recognition by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) as members of its All-Academic team. Crowley is studying marketing at Fairfield University, while Rosen is enrolled in the nursing program. Strong is an international studies major.

            The Fairfield University women's rowing team, under first-year head coach David Patterson, finished second in the 2008 MAAC championships. Patterson was named the MAAC Coach of the Year for his efforts.