WEST WINDSOR, N.J.- The Franklin & Marshall women's rowing team wrapped up the 2024-25 season with Sunday's Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference (MARC) Championship on Mercer Lake. With MARCs as the final regatta of the season, Diplomats also celebrated six seniors who rowed their last race.
The Women's Varsity 8+, from bow to stern, included Nicoletta Roman, Maddie Messer, Lindsey Wright, Nancy Nguyen, Maria Darrup, Audrey Zawoiski, Charlotte King, Daphne Heines, and Riley Cox as coxswain. The crew logged a time of 8:05.517 in their heat race before claiming sixth in the Varsity 8+ Final with a time of 7:51.37. The Diplomats were able to beat the crew from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, who had beat them in the heat.
"The women's 8 put together a strong piece, but especially a very strong second 1K that saw them accelerate from behind MSOE, to pass MSOE. It was great to see," said Head Coach Bob Brady.
F&M's Freshmen/Novice 4+ crew featured Trang Ho Le Mai, Lucy Connolly, Chi Truong, and Sarah Blum. The crew earned fourth place in a Varsity Women's 4 event, but secured first as the sole novice crew in the regatta. The boat finished in 9:39.041 against crews from Marietta, Catholic, and St. Mary's (Md.).
"The women's 4 put together a solid piece against more experienced crews and if they had more time in that lineup, it's possible they could have squeaked out a top 3 finish against varsity crews," said Coach Brady.
The Diplomats ended the event in sixth place, totaling 14 points.
Darrup earned a spot on the All-MARC First Team, while Messer placed on the Second Team. Zawoiski secured an All-Freshmen/Novice Team selection.
Darrup, Messer, King, Cox and Nguyen also earned All-MARC Academic honors.
The program is also sending off six seniors following the MARC regatta, all from the varsity 8 - Cox, Messer, King, Wright and Roman, as well as Heines who will officially graduate in December.
"Although they will be missed, these six women have left a terrific mark on the program that will be felt for years to come. I wish them all the best as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives," said Coach Brady. The program's seniors graduated on Saturday, May 10.
