SCOTIA, N.Y. – The future looks bright for the Union College women's crew team following its awards banquet, held May 27 in Scotia.  Two of the three awards were presented to first-year rowers, signaling the strength of a young team that featured 15 novices in 2014-15.

Claire Kelly was named Oarswoman of the Year after appearing in 10 races with the Varsity Eight. She was one of three rookies to crack the top lineup, helping the V8 capture the Petite Final title at the New York State Championship along with Liberty League Boat of the Week honors in October. All told, Kelly raced on three first-place boats – winning twice with the V8 and once with the Novice Four.

Rookie Paige Kotowitz received the Coaches Award, seeing time on four different shells – the Second Varsity Eight, Novice Eight, Varsity Four and Novice Four.  She appeared in eight races total, powering the 2V8 to a season-best time (7:58.0) at St. Lawrence.  Kotowitz made her collegiate debut as part of the N4 lineup at the Head of the Schuylkill in the fall.

Senior Jordan Pulling came away a double winner, accepting the Coxswain of the Year Award and Scholar Award.  A three-time winner of the Coxswain Award, Pulling earned 10 rides with the Varsity Eight, leading the Dutchwomen to a first-place finish in the Petite Final at New York State Championships and head-to-head wins over Rensselaer and St. John Fisher on the Mohawk River. Majoring in environmental science and French, Pulling was named to the Liberty League All-Academic Team as well this season.

Union also honored its three-member senior class: Pulling, along with co-captain Maggie Hoffman, and Shanni Shi, who was named Coxswain of the Year for the men's team.