April 26, 2008

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. - California's top-ranked varsity eight defeated 15th-ranked Washington by more than four seconds on Saturday morning at Redwood Shores Lagoon to win its fifth-straight Simpson Cup, the trophy awarded the winner of the annual Cal-Washington varsity eight race. The Golden Bears' varsity eight posted a time of 6:33.51 to Washington's 6:37.55.

Washington moved out fast in the first 300 meters and held nearly a four-seat lead. Cal stayed consistent, overtaking and then moving through the Huskies for about a two-second lead at 1,000 meters. The Bears extended the lead to over four seconds by the finish.

"Our varsity eight was certainly tested as Washington did a great job," Cal head coach Dave O'Neill said. "We expected a great race from them, and they delivered. For the first time this year, our varsity eight was behind, but they seemed to be unfazed by it all. That's really important as the championship races approach."

Cal also defeated Washington in the novice eight race, 7:00.44-7:03.13. The Huskies claimed the second varsity eight, 6:44.81-6:47.92, and varsity four, 7:27.69-7:38.31, events. In the second varsity eight race, Washington again powered off the start and gained over two seconds in the first 500 meters. Cal stayed tough throughout but came up short.

"The losses in the second varsity eight and four were tough, but they gave great efforts," O'Neill said. "It's clear we have some work to do as a team, so that all crews are as fast as possible."

The Bears had an additional race on Saturday, with their third varsity eight falling to the Saint Mary's varsity eight, 6:56.26-7:00.41

Cal next rows against Stanford at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, in Redwood Shores, Calif.

Cal Women's Crew - Saturday Results

Varsity 8

1. California 6:33.51
Cox: Krista Ellis, Candice Rediger, Mara Allen, Elena Humphreys, Taryn O'Connell, Mary Jeghers, Onna Poeter, Lou Kinder, Ali Seders.
2. Washington 6:37.55

2nd Varsity 8
1. Washington 6:44.81
2. California 6:47.92 Cox: Katy Milton, Adrienne Keller, Kaiti Seders, Lauren Nowinski, Summer Ohlendorf, Sam Sartor, Bridget Moran, Sam Silvia, Maggie Devine.

Varsity 4
1. Washington 7:27.69
2. California 7:38.31 Cox: Katie Luke, Melissa Herman, Kirsten Campbell, Kelsey Bates, Emmie Koenig.

Novice 8
1. California 7:00.44
Cox: Erica Bellis, Lizzie Lang, Beth Doyle, Jenny Trautman, Emma Dunn, Avalon Radys, Jenny Rusher, Danielle Detloff, Vanna Rocchi.
2. Washington 7:03.13

V8 vs. 3V8
1. Saint Mary's 6:56.26
2. California 3V8 7:00.41