NEWPORT HARBOR, Calif. - Stanford women's rowing's freshmen and walk-ons got the chance to make their 2009-10 debuts as Cardinal oarswomen over the weekend at the Newport Autumn Rowing Festival. Competing in the Women's Frosh/Novice 8+ event, the Stanford "A" boat placed fourth while the "B" boat took 12th.

The new rowers were seeing their first action after opening rowing practices in mid-October.

"I'm very happy with the freshmen women's performance this weekend," said women's novice coach and lightweight assistant coach Katie Sweet. "This was the first race for most of the freshmen and they raced aggressively and maturely. It was a great start to their collegiate careers."

The Stanford "A" boat crossed the line with a time of 18:56.287, behind boats from San Diego State, USC and San Diego, respectively. The "B" boat came in with a final time of 21:13.220 to finish 12th in the event.

The Newport Autumn Racing Festival is one of the West Coast's premiere Fall Head Racing regattas and features competition from top California programs in collegiate, masters and junior categories. Its 4,400-meter race launches the field through the Via Lido bridge and around Lido Island, past the homes of movie stars with the final 2,000-meter straightaway passing under the Pacific Coast Highway bridge. The crews sprint to the finish in front of the crowd on the beach at the host Newport Aquatic Center.

Stanford "A" lineup (Fourth)

Cox Kiera Galloway
Jackie Klimes
Christina Walker
Esthena Barlow
Sarah Bolmer
Madeline Jansen
Megan O'Neil
Maria Bowe
Erin Epp

Cox Luisa Russell
Ally Edwards
Abigail Andrews
Margaret Rawson
Felicia King
Catherine Musharige
Omonigho Oiyemhonian
Elise DeBuysser
Tierney O'Rourke