HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University sailing team had a strong open to the fall 2013 season this past weekend, with junior Giuditta Di Laghi placing in the top 10 in the Navy Radial Open, while the Pirates also finished ninth in the Old Dominion Riley Cup.

Di Laghi (Albenga, Italy) came in sixth in the regatta in Annapolis, Md. With 139 points. By finishing in the top eight, Di Laghi qualified for the Faye Bennett MAISA Women's Singlehanded Championships, which will be held in Annapolis, Md. on Sept. 28-29.

Winds came from the northwest on Saturday, though the wind was almost nonexistent early on Sunday. As the day progressed, though, a southerly breeze kicked in, aiding the sailors.

The Pirates had 189 total points in Norfolk, Va., including 81 points in the A Division thanks to four top-five finishes. The B Division also recorded a top-five finish en route to tallying 108 points.

St. Mary's won the ODU Riley Cup with 62 points.

Saturday's action started with a good northeasterly wind that shifted and died out throughout the day, while Sunday's action didn't get underway until 11 a.m., before a small breeze kicked up.

The Pirates will return to action on Saturday and Sunday, when they hold the Edward Teach Memorial at Strawberry Banks. For more information on Hampton University sailing, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.