DERBY, Conn. - Highlighted by a fifth-place finish by the varsity eight boat and a first-place finish by the novice eight boat, the Boston University women's lightweight rowing team opened its fall season competing against openweight boats at the Head of the Housatonic Regatta on Saturday.
 
THE RUNDOWN
Event: Head of the Housatonic Regatta
Location: Housatonic River – Derby, Conn.
Results: HereNow

HOW IT HAPPENED
Competing against openweight competition, the BU lightweight varsity eight boat, coxed Antonella Kugler and stroked by Izzy Bichler, finished fifth with a time of 15:05.5 in a field of 30 boats. The Terriers' second varsity eight boat, coxed by Emily Ho and stroked by Dara Noonan finished in 17th in the same race with a time of 15:41.5.
 
The novice 4+ had a successful debut, stroked by Nicolle Alvarez and stroked by Erin Welch, the novices finished first with a time of 18:20.0 in a four-boat race ahead of openweight crews from Coast Guard, Army West Point and Brandeis.
 
Later in the day, the BU varsity four "A" boat, coxed by Eleanor Balke and stroked by Catharine Griskowitz finished first in its race with a time of 17:02.5 in a field of 13. In the same race, the BU 4+ "C" finished third with a time of 17:24.2 while the 4+ "B" finished fourth (17:24.6). 
 
In the doubles race, four BU boats raced in a five boat field. The BU "B" boat finished first with a time of 17:49.0.
 
The Terriers will now prepare for the 55th Head of the Charles Regatta on Oct. 20 with the DeWolfe Boathouse once again serving as the official starting line.