KINGSTON, R.I. - For the first time in program history, the Rhode Island women's rowing team is in position to qualify two boats for the Henley Royal Regatta following a successful weekend of racing at the Henley Women's Regatta. 

Rhody will have the opportunity to compete in a time trial on Friday afternoon in Henley-on-Thames, England with hopes to secure a spot in the regatta's Island Challenge Cup. Recently, URI made its third trip to the Henley Women's Regatta and first since 2018.

The Rams' Varsity 8+ of coxswain Lily Stasaitis, stroke Catie Castle, Bethany Nordstrom, Nicole Jones, Samantha Gumprecht, Cait Reardon, Emma Barnhart, Sarah Pecoraro and Bella Bruno fell to eventual winner Oxford Brookes 'A' in its dual Championship 8+ race. URI had recorded the ninth-fastest time trial overall to extend its stay.

Coxswain Ellie McGee, stroke Jessica Tosi, Olivia Kowalski, Hailey Pardi, Sammie Gorecki, Eryn Wale, Amanda Cubit, Maia Hembruff and Emma Larsh were knocked out of racing in the Apirational Academic 8+ by the U.S.R. Triton crew from the Netherlands. The Rams placed 16th overall in their respective time trial.

Racing at the Henley Royal Regatta will begin on Tuesday, July 2 and run through Sunday, July 7. It is one of the best-known regattas in the world and attracts thousands of visitors, which can include Olympic rowers.

Outside of the athletic competition, the Rams have had the opportunity to engage in the history of Henley-on-Thames as well as the greater London area. URI's activities included a dinner at the world-renowned Leander Club. Founded in 1818, the Club is recognized worldwide for its rowing success, having won more Olympic and World Championship gold medals than any other club. The team also had the chance to attend the International Crews Reception at the Rive & Rowing Museum on the Thames River.

 Results - The Ron Needs Cup for Championship 8+
Race 35
Oxford Brookes 'A' - 5:18.4
Rhode Island 'A' - 5:32.9

Results - The Ron Needs Cup for Championship 8+
Time Trial
1. Leander Club 'A' - 4:29.9
2. Oxford Brookes 'B' - 4:34.4
3. Oxford Brookes 'A' - 4:35.1
4. Newcastle University - 4:36.6
5. Durham University 'A' - 4:38.4
6. Edinburgh University - 4:40.4
7. Thames RC 'A' - 4:44.0
8. Leander Club 'B' - 4:44.8
9. Rhode Island 'A' - 4:47.9
10. Nottingham University 'A' - 4:49.7
11. Oxford Brookes 'C' - 4:52.0
12. Thames RC 'B' - 4:52.7
13. University of Iowa 'A' - 4:52.9
14. Southern Methodist University 'A' - 4:54.6
15. Newcastle University/Tyne RC 'A' - 4:58.8
16. Trinity College 'A' - 5:01.1

Results - The Colgan Foundation Cup for Aspirational Academic 8+
Race 120
U.S.R. Triton - 5:09.8
Rhode Island 'B' - 5:17.6

Results - The Colgan Foundation Cup for Aspirational Academic 8+
Time Trial
1. Oxford Brookes 'A' - 4:44.4
2. Edinburgh University - 4:47.5
3. U.S.R. Triton, Utrecht, Netherlands - 4:49.4
4. University of London - 4:52.3
5. University of Bristol 'A' - 4:53.0
6. University College Dublin 'A' - 4:53.0
7. Saint Joseph's University - 4:55.4
8. A.S.R. Nereus Netherlands 'A' - 4:55.9
9. Boston University - 4:57.8
10. Newcastle University 'A' - 4:58.1
11. University of Exeter 'A' - 4:58.8
12. University of Glasgow 'A' - 4:59.7
13. Jacksonville University - 5:02.2
14. Newcastle University 'B' - 5:03.3
15. University College Dublin 'B' - 5:04.2
16. Rhode Island 'B' - 5:04.4