HARTFORD, Conn. -- The women's rowing team began the 2009 Fall season by entering shells in the varsity eight and four at the Head of the Riverfront over the weekend.

The varsity eight opened their season by finishing 10th behind the efforts of Alexa Hoehne, Jessica Curley, Jessica Keefe, Krissi Gorsuch, Kim Kesting, Katie Sillo, Meghan Sullivan, Bridgette Sliva, and coxswain Katy Dulle. The Stags were in tight competition throughout the race, ending up batting with five crews for eighth through 12 places. The team finished among the middle of those five boats with its 10th-place finish.

"While there is clear development of speed as this young team continues to grow, it is also clear that we still need to find a few more gears as we build to a more competitive ranking," Head Coach Dave Patterson said.

The Stags also placed two varsity four entries into competition, as the teams took eighth and ninth in the 11-team race. The lead boat included coxswain Katy Dulle, Jessica Curley, Sam Kiersey, MC Taylor, and Liz Panico. The second entry consisted of coxswain Julia Merenda with Kim Kesting, Liz Connors, Caitlin O'Sullivan, and Brigette Sliva.

The team races next on October 10 when it competes at the Head of the Housatonic in Shelton.