May 27, 2011

GOLD RIVER - Second-ranked California women's crew opened the NCAA Championships Friday at Lake Natoma in Gold River, Calif., with all three boats advancing to the semifinals. The varsity 4+ and the junior varsity 8+ boats picked up wins in the first-day heats.

In the varsity 4+, the Golden Bears garnered the win with a time of 7:21.86 to second-place Ohio State's 7:26.96. Princeton came in third at 7:29.38. Cal led the entire race, pushing out to a four-second lead in the second split that it never relinquished.

The varsity 8+ took second in its heat with Brown beating the Bears to the finish line by four seconds. Cal topped third-place Yale by four seconds. Brown led from start to finish, extending its lead as the race went on.

In the junior varsity 8+, the Bears took first in the heat, clocking a time of 6:37.04, with Virginia taking second at 6:40.87. Just like in the varsity 4+, Cal led from start to finish.

The national championships continue on Saturday and conclude with the grand finals on Sunday.

2011 NCAA Championships Day One

Varsity 8+
1. Brown 6:22.48, 2. California 6:26.57, 3. Yale 6:30.92
Cal lineup: Cox: Rachel Ersted, Stroke: Kristina Lofman, 7: Mary Jeghers, 6: Kara Kohler, 5: Rosie Popa, 4: Elise Etem, 3: Paparangi Hipango, 2: Erica Rippe, Bow: Bridget Moran

Junior Varsity 8+
1. California 6:37.04, 2. Virginia 6:40.87, 3. Wisconsin 6:42.20
Cal lineup: Cox: Erica Bellis, Stroke: Sam Sartor, 7: Jen Helssen, 6: Agatha Nowinski, 5: Greer Uu, 4: Avalon Radys, 3: Maggie Simpson, 2: Caroline Rosetti, Bow: Michelle Leason

Varsity 4+
1. California 7:21.86, 2. Ohio State 7:26.96, 3. Princeton 7:29.38
Cal lineup: Cox: Lynn Anderson, Stroke: Charlotte Palmer, 3: Becca Lindquist, 2: Kyndal Mancho, Bow: Catherine Shannon