HENLEY-ON-THAMES – The final day of racing at the 30th Henley Women's Regatta provided the crews with pristine conditions on the River Thames as the Northeastern women's rowing first and second varsity boats both competed in their respective semifinal races on a warm and sunny Sunday that saw several course records set throughout the event.
The first varsity, going up against a mixed crew from Aberdeen University, Cambridge University, Imperial College, Marlow RC, Newcastle University and the University of London training to represent Great Britain at the U23 World Championships, stuck with the British crew for a majority of the race. The Huskies, coxed by
Haley Doucette and stroked by co-captain
Heather Foti, were slightly behind 250-meters into the race but continued to stick around and keep the mixed crew in its sights. The crew from Great Britain extended its advantage to a full length near the midway mark of the race and slowly increased it over the course of the final 750-meters to take the semifinal by two and a half lengths with a time of 4:40.
One hour later, the second varsity boat took on a talented crew from Molesey Boat Club in the senior eights semifinal and experienced a similar result to their 1V teammates. The race saw Molesey jump out to a length and a half lead early and never relinquish. Northeastern though, fought its way back with a high stroke rate to keep their opponent in sight, but Molesey would increase its edge to a full two lengths to advance with a time of 4:47.
Sunday's racing concludes Northeastern's first-ever appearance at the prestigious Henley Women's Regatta. Henley Women's Regatta is the premier regatta for women in the United Kingdom. Each year more than 1,500 rowers travel from all over the UK and from across the world to compete in this prestigious event. Held on the rowing world's iconic stretch of the River Thames, HWR offers exciting side-by-side match racing for a wide range of competitors, from Juniors to University and Club to Elite level. In 2017 HWR is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Stay up to date on everything that's happened this week on the River Thames by visiting GoNU.com/Henley.
