KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island Rowing's Varsity 8+ won the Women's Open 8+ at the Head of the Riverfront Regatta on Sunday, an impressive start to the fall racing season for the reigning Atlantic 10 Champions.

Coxswain Lily Stasaitis, Bethany Nordstrom, Bella Bruno, Cait Reardon, Nora Lake, Hailey Pardi, Emma Barnhart, Abigail Galayda and Emma Larsh crossed the line in 16:44.9, a full 20 seconds ahead of the second-place crew from Williams College. 

Rhody's Second Varsity 8+ joined the first boat with a top-10 finish, coming in seventh overall (17:46.82). Coxswain Ellie McGee, Maia Hembruff, Emma Brookins, Anna Kann, Amanda Cubit, Irma Accius, Brigid McShea, Jasmyn Hayes and Anna Smith defeated eighth-place Fairfield's Varsity 8+ by a five-second margin. 

URI's fall slate will continue at the Head of the Charles on Sunday, Oct. 20. The Rams have entries in both the Women's Championship 4+ and the Women's Championship 8+ events.