SAN DIEGO – The No. 2 Golden Bears made a big statement this weekend racing to four victories in four races at the 43rd-annual San Diego Crew Classic. After a strong preliminary session Saturday that saw all boats advance to their respective grand finals, the Bears closed out the weekend with victories in the collegiate women's varsity eight, second varsity eight, third varsity eight and varsity four races.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the team's racing on Sunday," said head coach Al Acosta. "I think every boat learned something from their Saturday heats and then improved for the finals. We have some very tough racing in the weeks ahead, so hopefully this weekend will serve as a stepping stone in our preparation. As a side note, our alumni eight won today as well!"
The second varsity eight saw the first win of the day posting a time of 6:53.673. Members Rachel Lether (cox), Roisin Duffy (8), Ellen Heile (7), Dana Moffat (6), Katie de Haas (5), Charlotte Passot (4), Katie Kelly (3), Julia Vander Hoeven (2), Charlotte Wesslemann (bow) defeated runner-up Texas (6:57.600) and third-place USC (6:41.772).
Cal's varsity eight then followed to capture the prestigious Jessop-Whittier Cup with a 6:49.468. Golden Bears Hannah Christopher (coxswain), Kendall Chase (stroke), Rowan McKellar (7), Jacinta Edmunds (6), Dorethee Beckendorff (5). Charlotte Siering (4), Mia Croonquist (3), Inger Kavlie (2), and Sarah Schwartz (bow) saw a tight battle during the race, but pulled ahead towards the tail end to earn a victory over second-place Texas (6:51.682), third-place USC (6:41.772), and fourth-place Wisconsin (6:54.772).
The varsity four dominated their race, leading form start to finish, to secure the Karen Plumleigh Courtney Cup and give the Bears a three for three record heading into the final event. Jacqueline Holben (cox), Ellie Howe (4), Hunter Deuel (3), Kendall Ritter (2), Franny Wood (bow) raced to a 7:53.859 finishing ahead of Texas (7:59.622), USC (8:09.050), and San Diego (8:11.778).
Racing out of lane one, the third varsity eight posted a time of 7:04.000 to made it a perfect Sunday for the Bears. Texas finished second (7:17.283), Stanford was third (7:20.500) and Gonzaga fourth (7:26.251).
Next up, the Bears head to Gold River, Calif. to compete in the Lake Natoma Invitational before home duals with Washington on April 23 and Stanford on April 30 in Redwood Shores. The Bears then head back to Gold River on May 15 to defend their Pac-12 title at the 2016 Pac-12 Championships.
Be sure to follow along all season on Twitter (@calwcrew), Facebook (Facebook.com/CalWRowing), Instagram (@calwrowing) and Snapchat (calwcrew).
Results:
Varsity Eight:
1. Cal (6:49.468)
2. Texas Austin (6:51.682)
3. USC (6:41.772)
4. Wisconsin (6:54.772)
5. Washington State (6:58477)
6. Gonzaga (7:01.894)
7. San Diego (7:02.866)
8. UCLA (7:10.133)
Cal Lineup: Hannah Christopher (cox), Kendall Chase (8), Rowan Mckellar (7), Jacinta Edmunds (6), Dorothee Beckendorff (5), Charlotte Siering (4), Mia Croonquist (3), Inger Kavlie (2), Sarah Schwartz (bow)
Second Varsity Eight:
1. Cal (6:53.673)
2. Texas Austin (6:57.600
3. USC (7:07.076)
4. Gonzaga (7:07.479)
5. Wisconsin (7:09.691)
6. Washington State (7:17.478)
Cal Lineup: Rachel Lether (cox), Roisin Duffy (8), Ellen Heile (7), Dana Moffat (6), Katie de Haas (5), Charlotte Passot (4), Katie Kelly (3), Julia Vander Hoeven (2), Charlotte Wesslemann (bow)
Third Varsity Eight:
1. Cal (7:04.000)
2. Texas (7:17.283)
3. Stanford (7:20.5000)
4. Gonzaga (7:26.251)
5. USC (7:41.625)
6. Sacramento State (7:48.239)
7. British Columbia (7:49.259)
8. SDSU (8:06.047)
Cal Lineup: Riley Brown (cox), Alex Floyd (8), Danni Struck (7), Monica Murray (6), Cara Bohmann (5), Sarah Stroker (4), Molly Hart (3), Hailey Drangsholt (2), Katherine Armstrong (bow)
Varsity Four:
1. Cal (7:53.859)
2. Texas (7:59.622)
3. USC (8:09.050)
4. San Diego (8:11.778)
5. UCLA (8:17.487)
6. Washington State (8:29.552)
Cal Lineup: Jacqueline Holben (cox), Ellie Howe (4), Hunter Deuel (3), Kendall Ritter (2), Franny Wood (bow)
