BERKELEY - The No. 1 Golden Bears take on the No. 3 University of Washington in their first dual race of the season this upcoming Saturday. These two high-level teams have a long history of rivalry, with the first dual dating all the way back to 1977.

California and Washington will contest for the Simpson Trophy, given to the team with the most wins out of the four events. Cal has brought home the trophy for 11 out of the past 12 years. However, competition is expected to be fierce this weekend. High-intensity races like these are key determinants in how the Bears are expected to perform when it comes to the Pac-12 Championships on May 15 and then the NCAA championships on May 27. 

The No. 1 Bears have exemplified near-perfect performances so far in their 2016 season so far. National Rankings by CRCA/US Rowing Coaches continue to put them ahead of rivals No. 7 Washington and No. 2 Brown.

Racing will take place this Saturday April 23^rd at the Bear's home course in Redwood Shores, CA.

The schedule is as follows:

9:12 a.m. - Women's Third Varsity 8+

9:36 a.m. - Women's Varsity 4+

10:00 a.m. - Women's Second Varsity 8+

10:24 a.m. - Women's Varsity 8+

Make sure to follow on Twitter (@calwcrew) and Instagram (@calwrowing) for updates and results.