Moon Township, Pa. – According to a poll of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) head coaches, the RMU women's rowing team has been picked to finish fifth in the conference in 2021.
Picked as the preseason favorite of the poll, released Thursday by the MAAC, is Marist, which earned six first-place votes in compiling 95 points. Jacksonville (94) was selected second, earning four first-place tallies, and was followed by Stetson (77), Drake (69) and RMU (51).
Rounding out the poll is Canisius (50), Fairfield (44), Manhattan (37), Sacred Heart (23) and Iona (10). The 2021 MAAC Championship is scheduled for May 16 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, N.J.
Led by first-year head coach
Carol Schoenecker, the Colonials open their season Sunday, March 28, in Fairfax, Va., by taking part in the Occoquan Sprints. The 2021 slate also includes two competitions from the McPhail Boathouse at the RMU Island Sports Center, including matchups against Marietta (4/3) and Duquesne (5/8).
The Colonials return 10 seniors in 2021 that helped the Second Varsity 8 claim bronze at the 2019 MAAC Championships, including
Francesca Barchetti,
Nicole Kristof,
Mia Krolczyk and
Satalia Rickman. RMU will also be bolstered by the return of coxswain
Kestra Harris, a graduate student who had her 2020 season wiped out by the global pandemic.
MAAC 2021 Preseason Poll
Team (First-Place Votes) – Points
1. Marist (6) – 95
2. Jacksonville (4) – 94
3. Stetson – 77
4. Drake – 69
5. RMU – 51
6. Canisius – 50
7. Fairfield – 44
8. Manhattan – 37
9. Sacred Heart – 23
10. Iona – 10
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