Garrett and Lightfoot Win Collegiate Pairs at Head of the American

Saturday, October 24

Oregon State

Head of the American

Photo by: Oregon State Athletics

October 26, 2026 | Women's Rowing

By: Athletic Communications

GOLD RIVER, Calif. – Oregon State women's rowing debuted in the 2026-27 academic year at the Head of the American, placing four boats in the top three of their respective races and winning in the collegiate pairs.

"It was a strong day of racing and is reflective of our growth so far this year. There's lots of training ahead and the team is eager to continue to build as we seek to earn an at-large bid to NCAAs," Director of Rowing Michael Eichler said. "The day was highlighted by our pairs finish, with Lauren Garrett and Charlotte Lightfoot taking the win.

"While it is easy to get caught up in racing, we are reminded of sport in perspective. The team raced in honor of the community at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, those fighting for their lives and in memory of the students and teacher whose lives were tragically taken," Eichler added. "That community has been in our thoughts and we hope our small gesture lets them know we send our love and support."

Racing began with the 4+, which saw a pair of boats finish in second and third, respectively. Coxed by Lindy Rumel, Linnea Naone, Sophia Capouleas, Sophia Groshong and Brooke McDaniel completed the course in 20:25.8, which was followed by Katie McKenna, Lia Segrest, Lucy Davis, Indie Nichols and Hanna McDaniel just over three seconds later in 20:29.2.

Over an hour later, the collegiate pairs race started, where 32 boats from seven different schools all competed. Garrett and Lightfoot took the race with a 20:37.1, nearly 14 seconds ahead of second place, while five other boats were in the top-10: Mekenzie Schockelt and Madison Ezzell (21:15.4 – 5^th), Linda Weitmann and Taylor Jones (21:23.3 – 6^th), Katie Myers and Marta Orefice (21:34.3 – 7^th), Meabh O'Connell and Eileen Fierke (21:40.7 – 9^th) and Vale Mascheroni and Kiana Bakhshaee (21:44.4 – 10^th).

Garrett has now won the pair twice – once in 2024 and again in 2026 – while Lightfoot won the pairs last year with Giulia Clerici, who has since graduated.

The last race featuring Oregon State student-athletes came in the Women's Collegiate 8+, where the Beavers placed second, fourth and eighth out of 21 total teams. Maggie Waltz made her varsity eight debut in the second place finisher while four athletes in the boat that finished fourth were making their Oregon State debut in Olivia Murdock, Naomi Robinson, Vale Mascheroni and O'Connell.

Beaver women's rowing returns to action at the annual Orange & Black Regatta, scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Oregon State Boathouse. Tickets can be purchased at the team's Eventbrite website.

Pairs (out of 32):
Lauren Garrett, Charlotte Lightfoot (20:37.1 – 1^st place)
Mekenzie Schockelt, Madison Ezzell (21:15.4 – 5^th place)
Linda Weitmann, Taylor Jones (21:23.3 – 6^th place)
Katie Myers, Marta Orefice (21:34.3 – 7^th place)
Meabh O'Connell, Eileen Fierke (21:40.7 – 9^th place)
Vale Mascheroni, Kiana Bakhshaee (21:44.4 – 10^th place)
Ariana Sutter, Naomi Robinson (22:15.3 – 16^th place)
Vivian Strayer, Ugne Šakickaite (22:27.6 – 20^th place)

Eights (out of 21):
1V8+ (17:59.1 – 2^nd place): Maggie Waltz (C), Lauren Garrett, Charlotte Lightfoot, Linda Weitmann, Katie Myers, Marta Orefice, Mekenzie Schockelt, Madison Ezzell, Taylor Jones

2V8+ (18:19.8 – 4^th place): Olivia Murdock (C), Ariana Sutter, Naomi Robinson, Eileen Fierke, Vivian Strayer, Ugne Šakickaite, Vale Mascheroni, Kiana Bakhshaee, Meabh O'Connell

3V8+ (19:05.0 – 8^th place): Róisín Kruse (C), Lia Segrest, Lucy Davis, Indie Nichols, Hanna McDaniel, Sophia Capouleas, Linnea Naone, Brooke McDaniel, Sophia Groshong

Fours (out of 15):
1V4+ (20:29.2 – 3^rd place): Katie McKenna (C), Lia Segrest, Lucy Davis, Indie Nichols, Hanna McDaniel

2V4+ (20:25.8 – 2^nd place): Lindy Rumel (C), Linnea Naone, Sophia Capouleas, Sophia Groshong, Brooke McDaniel

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