May 28, 2011

GOLD RIVER, Calif. -

Full Results

Second-ranked California women's crew continued competition at the NCAA Championships Saturday at Lake Natoma in Gold River, Calif., with all three boats advancing to Sunday's finals. The varsity 4+ picked up another win in Saturday's heat.

"The Saturday at NCAAs always carries a lot of stress and importance because you need all crews to advance to the grand finals in order to contend realistically for the title," head coach Dave O'Neill said. "I'm really proud of everyone, and we've put ourselves in a great position for tomorrow. This team has already accomplished so much this year, and we feel we've got nothing to lose tomorrow. We're looking forward to a great day tomorrow."

In the varsity 4+, the Golden Bears led from start to finish, gradually increasing their lead until USC crept a little closer in the final split. Cal clocked a time of 7:21.52, while the Trojans crossed the finish line at 7:23.06.

The varsity 8+ came in third in its heat at 6:31.04. Cal opened the race in second, but quickly dropped to third. USC overtook Princeton in the final split to clock a race-winning time of 6:26.60. Despite finishing third in the semifinals, the varsity 8+ advanced to Sunday's grand final.

After being victorious on Friday, the junior varsity 8+ took second on Saturday in the semifinals. Stanford and Cal went first and second from start to finish, and the Cardinal eventually raced to a four-second win over the Bears. Cal crossed the finish line at 6:40.25 behind Stanford's 6:36.04..

The national championships conclude with the grand finals on Sunday. The grand final for the varsity 4+ is scheduled for 10:25 a.m., the junior varsity 8+ grand final will take place at 11:15 a.m. and the varsity 8+ grand final at 12:05 p.m.

2011 NCAA Championships Day Two

Varsity 8+
1. USC 6:26.60, 2. Princeton 6:28.34, 3.California 6:31.04
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. Stanford 6:36.04, 2. California 6:40.25, 3. Ohio State 6:43.89
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 7:21.52, 2. USC 7:23.06, 3.Washington 7:28.14
Cal lineup: Cox: Lynn Anderson, Stroke: Charlotte Palmer, 3: Becca Lindquist, 2: Kyndal Mancho, Bow: Catherine Shannon