While most students were out celebrating Halloween this past weekend, the women’s rowing team was preparing for regattas on Saturday and Sunday. The weather gods gave the ‘Cats a break on Friday when the Head of the Schuylkill was cancelled due to rough waters and high winds in Philadelphia. On Sunday, the team traveled to Princeton, N.J., to compete in the Princeton Chase. Severe weather in Princeton prevented the small boat races from taking place, so Villanova’s only chance to compete was in the Open Eight race. The Wildcats had a tough day, finishing 42nd out of 54 teams with a time of 17:55.38.

Two weeks ago, the team competed in the well known Head of the Charles regatta on Oct. 23. The Head of the Charles took place in Cambridge, Mass., and brought in teams from across the country. The Wildcats, forced to compete against many of the nation’s top teams, managed to finish near the middle of the pack in both their College Four (15th of 27 teams) and College Eight (23rd of 57 teams) racing events.

Currently, the team is continuing its intense training, which involves waking up before sunrise several days a week.

The ‘Cats will compete in their final race of the season in two weeks, returning to Princeton, N.J., for the Belly of the Carnegie. With some luck, this race will proceed as planned, without inclement weather to cancel the event.