BOSTON, Mass. -- The Fairfield University rowing teams opened up competition at the Head of the Charles on Saturday morning with the women's and men's teams each placing an entry in the respective Club 4 event.

The men clocked in 17:54.44 for their participation in the Club 4 behind the efforts of James Penczak, Frank DiNatale, Jack Cartnick, Brendan Martin, and coxswain Tom Flynn.

The Stags will be back in the water on Sunday afternoon when they will compete in the Men's Collegiate 8 scheduled for a 2:15 pm start. The entry will include Michael Hamilton, Brady Stergion, Zalan Kovacs, Spencer Chidley, Ean Ray, Ryan Wrynn, Jerry Malloy, Connor Carroll, and coxswain Matt Tarabocchia.

The women finished the Club 4 with an impressive time of 18:45.02, just missing the top ten by two-plus seconds as San Diego took the 10th slot in 18:42.69. Duke University won the event by completing the distance in 17:46.12 which was more than 15 seconds better than the runner up boat. Fairfield's entry consisted of Arianna Welton, Emily Regan, Emma Szachta, Catherine Morrissey, and coxswain Lexi Tomlinson. The placement also solidified qualification in the 2024 Head of the Charles as well.