Yesterday was our first race day of the season - a scrimmage on the Raritan river against Rutgers, Villanova and the University of Rhode Island.
And it was really, really cold.
After a week of relatively nice weather, we got five inches of snow over the course of Friday. Which meant that on Saturday morning, we arrived at the Rutgers boathouse to the beautiful sight of snow-covered trees and perfectly flat water.
Princeton Lightweight Women's 2V races on the Raritan
I'm out for the season due to injury, so I feel very lucky to be able to get an up-close view of the action through photography. It was also incredible to see how deep our talent runs this year- we had some really great pieces and I'm excited to see how the season plays out.
The 1v chilling - literally - between pieces
We brought our first varsity, second varsity, and 3rd varsity/novice boat, with each boat racing four pieces between a bridge stretch.
Becca Singer '18 and Phoebe Huang '16 race in the 2V boat
This was my first time shooting with a monopod, and while it definitely meant that my neck and back were less sore after a couple of hours out on the water, it took a little getting used to- and also meant that everything I shot was in landscape, given that I didn't want to spear any of my fellow passengers in the face.
Megan Mirabella '18 coxes stroke Juliette Hackett '17 and the first varsity boat
Katie Mirabella '17 rows in the 2V boat
Did I mention that it was cold? Between the temperature and the fact that my shoes were slightly damp from walking through snow, I was honestly worried about suffering from some minor frostbite. Katie Mirabella '17 always awes me with her ability to row in just a uni, even when it's below freezing!
Gabi Pezzini '16 strokes the 2v boat
Monica Gomez '18 and Grace Miles '18 lead the 1v back to the boat trailer
Juliette Hackett '17- excited to get warm?
After a great day of racing, I think we were all excited to get warm, dry, and refueled by delicious snacks provided by the lovely parents of Julia Wendt '15.
Natalie Wertz '18 having fun derigging
Christina Warren '17 and Juliette Hackett '17 - best of friends.
All in all, it was a great way to start the season. Next week is the San Diego Crew Classic for our first varsity boat, followed by the Knecht Cup on April 11th. Fans can check out our race schedule here. Stay tuned for more great racing over the next two months- I can't wait to see how far we'll go!
Shout-outs go to Rutgers Women's crew for being awesome hosts, coach Paul Rassam for wrangling me a space on the coaches' launch, and to Row2k Assistant Editor Erik Dresser for scoring this sweet picture of me staying warm in my Princeton-supportive tiger hat. I found it at the Japanese weekend market in São Paulo, Brazil this past summer and finally got the chance to wear it and show my tiger pride!