NORTHAMPTON, Mass.  -- The varsity eight and second varsity eight helped the Fairfield University women's rowing team start their spring season successfully, posting wins over Smith College and UMass in the season opener. The Stags placed four eights and a four in the event.

The first varsity eight jumped out to solid lead and increased its lead steadily through the race. Smith made a strong challenge late in the race but Fairfield was able to hold off the challenge and pick up the win 7:52.7. The Stags' first varsity eight crew consisted of Ani Dennen, Lina Foncello, Kelsey Carthew, Brianna Mullaney, Dani McKenna, Mallory Burlington, Kerry Clarke, Tina Chalastra, and coxswain Leanne Anderson.

The second varsity eight dominated its race and showed their ability to grab an early lead and build upon it, picking up the team's second win of the day, crossing the line in 8:13.91. The Stags entry was comprised by Shelley Wilson, Amanda McKenna, Maggie O'Donnell, Colleen Sheridan, Cat Clough, Allison Sloan, Laura Miles, and coxswain Katie Clark.

The third varsity eight showed promise with a strong effort that resulted in good opening performance. The Stags ended the race in 8:21.49 behind UMass and Smith. "It was a good close race for a crew with many inexperienced rowers still learning their craft." The rowers involved in this race were Claire Lavelle, Christina Maher, Tiffany Iannucci, Megan Dobensky, Maddie Feeley, Erin Godfrey, Rachel Sansone, Katrina Kirchgaesser, and coxswain Laura Mason.

The fourth varsity eight finished its race with a time of 9:42.42 and finished runner up to host Smith. The Stags were represented by Sophia Dondero, Julie Becker, Nicole Chrysler, Kaitlyn Sweeney, Julia Cooper, Aileen Morley-McLaughlin, Mikayla Goria, Michaela Bassett, and coxswain Claudia Worotikan.