April 24, 2009
NORFOLK, Va. -- The seventh ranked ODU Lady Monarchs head to Geneva, New York to race in the MAISA Women's Spring Championship, looking for a trip to the ICSA National Championship. The top six finishers will travel to Boston, Massachusetts for the ICSA Women's National Championship from May 26-28.
Leading the way for the Lady Monarchs this season have been sophomore skipper Stephanie Roble and senior crew Jaci Finney. Finney has had a stellar final campaign for ODU and will look to advance to her third Women's National Championship.
Roble and Finney sailed together a year ago, as a part of the team that narrowly missed a trip to a ninth straight national championship appearance in a weather-shortened regatta. The tandem will certainly be motivated to improve on their second place finish in B division last season and earn a trip to Boston.
Senior Alissa Ayres was also there a year ago, with junior Katrina Williams. Neither had ever missed an ICSA Women's Dinghy National Championship and are looking to bounce back this season.
Other reserves to watch for are freshman Arianna Baker, sophomore Morgan Wilson and junior Ashley Brusso. All three have a significant amount of experience in the boat this season.
The top six finishers at the MAISA Championship will qualify, with the top two boats getting a bye in the National Semi-Finals. Hobart & William Smith hosts this weekends regatta in Geneva, New York.