Ravens take second in NE-10 Challenge; second varsity four falls to Assumption

April 25, 2015 (WORCESTER, Mass.) -- For the second weekend in a row, the Franklin Pierce University women's varsity four -- comprised of senior Bianca Baldelli (Stonington, Conn.), sophomore Nicole Rode (Thomaston, Conn.), senior Paige McGroarty (Quincy, Mass.), senior Hayley Brown (Newbury, Mass.) and senior Madeline Morrill (Greenville, Pa.) -- lined up against Merrimack College, which is ranked eighth in the nation in Division 2, on Saturday at the Northeast-10 Challenge. The Ravens also got their first look at Assumption College in the day's action on Lake Quinsigamond.

Much like their two races against Merrimack last week, the Ravens found themselves trailing the Warriors for the duration of the 2000-meter contest. Merrimack crossed the line in 7:53.90, with the Ravens crossing second at 8:19.38.

Although the Ravens were not able to catch the Merrimack boat, they managed an impressive row against Assumption College, finishing 31 seconds ahead of the Greyhounds, who posted a time of 8:50.40.

"Overall we are pleased with the results today. The women had a solid row," said head coach David DeIuliis. "This race was a good test for our women. We know we have some work to do this week in practice, as we head into New England Rowing Championships next weekend."

The second varsity four -- made up of junior coxswain Mary Quinn (Erie, Pa.), junior Colette Donnelly (Woodbury, Conn.), sophomore Kirsten Salois (Pelham, N.H.), junior Megan DeFelice and senior Ashley Lavoie (Coventry, R.I.) -- squared off against Assumption as well. Despite a close contest for most of the race, the Greyhounds managed to open up a lead in the final 700 meters and defeated the Ravens with a time of 8:42.40, against Franklin Pierce's 8:57.80.

Next weekend the Ravens will be back in action at Lake Quinsigmanond, as they compete in New England Rowing Championships.