In what was an extremely close race, Exeter’s eight lost to Phillips Andover in the semifinals this morning by less than one boatlength. The Andover boat managed to get ahead by a few seats off of the start, and in a mile-long dogfight between the two eights, Andover managed to hang on to their lead until the finish line. Despite this defeat, the girls are satisfied with their performance and optimistic about next season. Every rower in the eight will be returning next season, including Allison Courtin, Rory Erickson-Kulas, Erin Metcalf, Lizzy McDermott, Nancy McKinstry, Rebecca Kisner, Katrina Regan and Catherine McDermott. With this international racing experience, they will undoubtedly be a very fast boat next spring.

On the other side of the bracket, St. Paul’s School (of Concord, New Hampshire) lost to South Niagara/E.L. Crossley (an affiliated school and club from Welland and Fonthill, Ontario) by a half length in the semifinals. In the Grand Final, E.L. Crossley beat Andover by over two lengths.

Pictures from the girl’s entire post-season, including the USRowing Youth National Championship, the Reading Amateur Regatta, and the Henley Women’s Regatta, will be available soon. A short movie is also in the works.