Cambridge, MA (Oct. 19, 2025) - Just one week ahead of the 2025 OUA Rowing Championships, the Carleton Ravens Women's Coxed Four have defended their championship title at the Head of the Charles. The Ravens' boat of Megan Elekes, Klaudija Krisjane, Hayley Murray, Anna Vrbaski and coxswain Charlotte Mercer retained the prestigious rowing title with a decisive 21-second win.
With 852 clubs and 2,685 entries over 74 events, the Head of the Charles is the largest regatta in North America. Despite the prestige, the Ravens were not phased by the environment, quickly building an early lead. Under mixed clouds and great racing conditions, the Ravens pulled away from the competition through Riverside, extending their lead to 24.6 seconds by the Anderson Bridge at Weld. By the time they reached the headwinds at the Cambridge Boat Club, the Ravens were well ahead of Lafayette College.
The Ravens would go on to claim victory in 18:42.6, bringing home their second consecutive set of HOCR medals, repeating as winners for the first time in program history.
“It was a great experience with teammates," expressed Raven Hayley Murray. "I’m so proud to represent Carleton and Canada at such a large international regatta.”
At only 19 years old, Charlotte Mercer worked hard to ensure she was ready to help the Ravens repeat. “It took tons of research and practice," she shared. "I watched hours of videos about the course and read lots of articles. Getting advice from coxswains from other universities, such as Yale, helped to ensure an optimal race plan and best route down the course for the crew.”
The success has been a long time coming for the Ravens, who have worked hard to expand their women's program since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Being the only returning athlete from our first HOCR crew after COVID four years ago, it has been incredible to see the improvement and success of this team, building each year on our results," said Ravens veteran Megan Elekes. "I’m so proud of the hard work that everyone has put in to make it here and it’s been an honour to race at this amazing regatta.”
There's not much time to celebrate for the Ravens, Carleton is right back on the water as they prepare for the OUA Championships being held this weekend at the legendary Royal Henley course in Welland, Ontario.
