NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Union College women's crew team had a successful day on the water at the Novak Memorial Metropolitan Championships on Saturday morning, batting against Division I and III competition on the Long Island Sound.
 
The women's second varsity 4+ boat defeated four other boats to take first in the final, finishing the course in 8:49.90 for a win of more than 12 seconds over Fairfield University. Helmed by first-year Lizzie Vandam (coxswain), the boat was propelled by sophomores Olivia Werkema (bow), Amy Gagliardi (2 seat), Emma Friedman (3 seat) and Sarah Hannan (stroke).
 
The varsity 4+ boat won their heat against five Division I boats with a time of 8:23.90, good for a five-second win over Fairfield University. The Garnet Chargers finished third overall in the finale, again going up against five D-I squads. In the boat for Union were junior Melina McGovern (coxswain); seniors Sara Beckwith (bow), Julia Cole (2 seat) and Lena Nowell (3 seat); and junior Sadie White (stroke).
 
Union will return to the water on Friday for the Liberty League Championships, held at Fish Creek in Saratoga Springs.