The Cornell University women’s sailing team finished 7-5 in races on Monday to close the ICSA Women’s Team Racing National Championship with an 8-6 record, placing seventh overall on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Louisiana, just missing advancement to the six-team second round after tiebreakers. Cornell’s late push moved it into a tie for fifth, but the Big Red fell short of qualifying in a tightly packed field.
After opening the regatta at 5-4 on Sunday, Cornell capitalized on a favorable schedule during day two, earning key victories over Tulane, Tufts, Michigan and Bowdoin. Those results positioned the Big Red among a cluster of teams battling for the final advancement spots, but losses to top-tier programs ultimately proved costly.
Cornell showcased depth throughout the rotation, with skippers Sophia Devling, Gilda Dondona, Ava Gustafson and Winborne Majette leading the effort alongside crews Sophia Mulvania, Paulina Freyre, Grace Penque and Maya Conway. The group consistently competed with the top programs in the nation, with its only setbacks coming against teams that advanced into the championship round.
Despite falling short of the second round, Cornell remained competitive throughout both days of racing, finishing just outside the cutoff in one of the premier collegiate sailing events.
Cornell returns to action May 15 in Tampa, Florida, for the ICSA Women’s Fleet Race National Championship, where the Big Red will close out its 2025-26 season.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].