The Bucknell Men headed north to Massachusetts this past weekend to compete in two dual meets against the likes of Williams College and College of the Holy Cross. The first stop was in Pittsfield, Ma on Lake Onota to compete against Williams College on their home water – conditions were nearly perfect with calm winds, partly cloudy skies and perfectly flat water.
The first race down the course was that of the Varsity 8+’s, which saw close racing in the first 1000m before Williams was able to establish a one length lead over the Bison Varsity which they would hold on to for a 4.6 second victory with a final time of 6:08.9.
The next crews down the course were the 2nd Varsity 8+’s, in which the Bucknell 2V was able to move ahead at the 500m mark and continue moving away to win comfortably by 6.1s over Williams with a winning time of 6:24.2.
The final event for the day was the Freshman 8+’s, in which the Bison tackled an undefeated Williams crew. The Bucknell Freshman wasted no time in establishing an early lead and maintained control of the race to hand Williams their first loss by 2.9s with a winning time of 6:22.2.
The next stop was in Worcester, Ma on Lake Quinsigamond, which presented strong tailwind conditions and cold temperatures. The first race down the course was the Bucknell Freshman against the Holy Cross 4V and 5V. The HC 4V moved out to an early lead in the first 500 as the Bison struggled to find a rhythm and held on to a 1 length margin to win with a time of 6:12.6, 5.8s ahead of the Bison.
The next event was contested by the Bucknell 2V against the Holy Cross 2V and 3V. Racing was very tight in the first 750, with the HC 2V holding onto a small lead – the Bison 2V fought hard to remain on terms but eventually faded off the pace, finishing 5 seconds behind the Crusaders with a winning time of 6:03.6.
The final race of the weekend featured the Bison Varsity, who after a strong effort against Williams was unable to find the same speed, falling away from the HC varsity in the first 500m and unable to find their speed, finishing 12 seconds off the pace with a final time of 6:02.
The Bison Men will be off this coming weekend in the midst of their preparation for the Dad Vail – ECAC double-regatta weekend of May 9-10-11 that marks the beginning of the Championship season.