ITHACA, N.Y. — The Cornell women's rowing team will compete in the Club 4+ event at the Head of the Charles Regatta on Saturday, Oct. 18, marking the program's first entry in the Club 4+ event at the Head of the Charles Regatta.

The Club 4+ has evolved into a collegiate showcase, with eligibility limited to athletes without U23 or senior national team experience.

"Selection has been tight, with two 4+ boats neck and neck in training," said Steve Coppola, the Staley Head Coach of Cornell Women's Rowing. "That's a great sign — these athletes are expected to form the core of our Varsity 8 this year. The competition has been fierce, and those not racing are pushing the selected crew to maintain a high standard.

The team arrives in Boston energized after an intense fall of training. "Training has been intense," Coppola said, "but the energy and camaraderie have made it incredibly rewarding."

Cornell will compete against 25 other Division I programs among the 53-boat field. Despite drawing the final starting position (Bow 53), Cornell's objectives are straightforward, according to Coppola: "Pass a few crews, avoid traffic, and break into the top half of the field. Most importantly, we're aiming for an automatic bid for next year, which would allow us to expand our women's entries."

Racing is scheduled to begin at 1:04 p.m. on Saturday.

BOATINGS
W Club 4+ (Bow #53): Emmy Tyrcha (coxswain), Alexis Engman (stroke), Isabella Capelli, Elise Rueppel, Eleanor Bijeau (bow).

SCHEDULE
1:04 p.m. — W Club 4+ (Cornell will start as Bow 53 in a field of 53 total boats)