CAMBRIDGE, MA (October 10, 2026) – Three-time Head of the Charles Regatta Collegiate Eights champions Tufts University women's rowing were back on the Charles River today to begin their 2026-27 season at the Head of the Kevin regatta.
A prelude to the world-famous Head of the Charles Regatta coming up next weekend, the Head of the Kevin is a trial run across the three-mile Charles River course. This is the third year of the event, in which Tufts competed each time.
Also the three-time defending NCAA champions, the Jumbos had their first varsity and second varsity eights in action today to get their year started. A total of 129 entries participated today as competitors in varsity heavyweight and lightweight, club, master and youth divisions rowed as eights, fours, doubles and singles in a wildly various day of action.
Tufts' first varsity eight was 15th overall and second among women's entries with their 16:49.4 mark. Only the Riverside club eight was better, rowing 16:43.8 for 12th place overall. The Tufts line-up featured coxswain Makenna Billington along with Saskia Petitt, Janna Moore, Claire Carson, Sydney Barr, Sonia Haynes, Aubyn Mackey, Sam Dodds and Sonja Wartman.
The Jumbos' second varsity eight posted a 17:35.3 finish that was 19th overall and fifth among women's entries. The Tufts team was coxswain Maddie Rosato with Ava Chan, Alexis Arroyo, Celia Carson, Apolline Hazard, Sheelyn Pharr, Nazira Collins, Frances Rechtin and Olivia Langton.
Tufts will put its three-year winning streak in the Collegiate Eights on the line next weekend as part of the team's action at the Head of the Charles Regatta.
--JUMBOS--
