BOSTON, Mass. -- The Wellesley College crew team wrapped up action at the 46th annual Head of the Charles Regatta in spectacular fashion.  Competing in the collegiate eight event, the Blue posted a fourth place finish out of a field of 32 boats.

The fourth place effort marked the best finish in program history in the collegiate eight event.  Blue crew posted a time of 17:11.21, finishing just behind three 2009 NCAA top-four finishers.  Williams finished first in a blistering 16:24.21, followed by Ithaca (16:59.52) and Bates (17:04.45). 

"It was a phenomenal race from start to finish," said head coach Tessa Spillane. "They were calm, they knew they were ready, and they did their job. They also had fantastic support along the way from their teammates and families and alums."

On Saturday, Wellesley also rowed strong, as the varsity four finished 12th overall in a field of 30 boats.  The Blue posted a time of 12:21:52 in the 30-boat event.  "The four+ did a great job for a crew that had only a handful of practices together," added Spillane.  "They were strong on the course and Lauren Baker steered an awesome line."

Based on this weekend's results, the Blue have now sealed their qualification into next year's Head of the Charles event.

Wellesley returns to the water on Saturday, October 30th at the Seven Sisters Championship hosted by Mount Holyoke.