PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The Fairfield University men's rowing team opened the 2019 spring season with races against La Salle University and Lehigh University, competing in two races against the two schools. The Stags took to the water for a first varsity race as well as a second varsity competition.

Fairfield took third place in the first varsity race, crossing the finish line with a time of 6:43.5. The crew consisted of Seamus O'Brien, Matt Sutter, Mike Clarkson, Mike Pagliaro, Jake Godwin, John Imor, Lars, Erickson, Garrett White, and coxswain Matt Marshall. Lehigh won the competition by finishing the course in 6:24.5, followed closely by La Salle with its time of 6:25.4.

The Stags came back later in the day for the second varsity race which was won by La Salle's 2nd varsity crew and its time of 6:32.8. Times were not available for the other three participants that included Lehigh, La Salle's 3rd varsity boat and Fairfield. The Stags entry included Chris Lamberti, Matt Daza, Drew Thompson, Brendan Smith, August Feliciano, Tom Cole, Liam Creegan, Barak David, and coxswain Alyssa McNally.

The men's rowing team will compete next when it stays close to home for the Sacred Heart Invitational on April 7 in Shelton, Conn.