REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. – The top-ranked Cal women's rowing team started the spring season in impressive fashion, putting together a strong showing at the Pac-12 Challenge in Redwood Shores, California. Competing against some of the top crews in the country, the Golden Bears won 11 of their total 14 races at the two-day event, including seven of nine NCAA Championship events – the first and second varsity eights and the varsity four.

Cal's first varsity eight and varsity four won all three of their respective races at the Pac-12 Challenge, which is structured as a series of three dual meets, along with a few additional races between other boats. Cal took on No. 7 Virginia, No.2 Ohio State, and No.3 Michigan, while also competing against No. 4 Washington and No. 10 Stanford in non-NCAA Championship events.

"The Pac-12 Challenge was a great event," said head coach Al Acosta. "The conditions were near perfect and the racing by all crews was very impressive for this time of year. The team learned a good amount from race to race, and, in most cases, made solid changes. We're looking forward to getting back to work on Tuesday and getting ready for the Lake Natoma Invitational."

Coming off an NCAA Championship last May, the Bears opened the Saturday morning session against Virginia in convincing fashion, sweeping all three championship events. The first varsity eight posted the fastest time of the morning at 6:17.9, topping Virginia by 12 seconds. The second varsity eight and varsity four also posted wins over the Cavaliers and Cal capped off the morning session with a win over rival Stanford in an additional eights (3V8+) race.

After a brief break, the Bears took back to the water for the afternoon session against second-ranked Ohio State. Last year, the Bears edged the Buckeyes for the team national title, snapping Ohio State's streak of three consecutive NCAA Championships. Cal held the upper hand again this weekend, with wins by the first varsity eight and varsity four.

Cal continued its strong showing on Sunday morning, starting the final session with an eight-second victory by the first varsity eight over Michigan. After a narrow loss by the second varsity eight, the Bears bounced back as the first varsity four topped the Wolverines by almost 12 seconds. Cal closed the competition with wins in two additional fours races (2V4+), downing both Michigan and Washington.

The Bears will be back in action next weekend at the Lake Natoma Invitational, the site of Cal's 2016 NCAA title.

For updates and information on the team throughout the year, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CalWCrew), Instagram (@CalWRowing), and Facebook (Facebook.com/CalWRowing).
 
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Results

Saturday - Morning Session:
Women's Varsity 8+: 1. California 6:17.9; 2. Virginia 6:29.9
Women's Second Varsity 8+: 1. California 6:29.9; 2. Virginia 6:32.6
Women's Varsity 4+: 1. California 7:15.85; 2. Virginia 7:34.33
Women's Second Varsity 4+: 1. Washington 7:16.7; 2. California 7:22.1
Women's Third Varsity 8+: 1. California 6:42.1; 2. Stanford 7:09.1
             
Saturday - Afternoon Session:
Women's Varsity 8+: 1. California 6:15.19; 2. Ohio State 6:18.99
Women's Second Varsity 8+: 1. Ohio State 6:25.55; 2. California 6:28.90
Women's Varsity 4+: 1. California 7:01.81; 2. Ohio State 7:05.47
Women's Third Varsity 4+: 1. California 7:18.00; 2. Stanford 7:38.02

Sunday - Morning Session:
Women's Varsity 8+: 1. California 6:20.53; 2. Michigan 6:28.65
Women's Second Varsity 8+: 1. Michigan 6:22.81; 2. California 6:26.62
Women's Varsity 4+: 1. California 7:05.82; 2. Michigan 7:17.25
Women's Second Varsity 4+: 1. California 7:11.67; 2.  Washington 7:13.92
Women's Third Varsity 4+: 1. California 7:23.28; 2. Stanford 7:25.57