SEATTLE – The Simpson Cup is staying with the Bears! In a meeting between the top women's crews in the nation, it was Cal who took first in day's marquee race. The second-ranked Golden Bears bested top-ranked Washington in the varsity eight on Saturday morning at the Montlake Cut in Seattle, winning the Simpson Cup for the fourth consecutive year and the 13^th time in the last 14 seasons. The Simpson Cup is awarded annually to winner of the varsity eight race between Cal and Washington and was donated in 2003 by longtime Husky Crew supporters Hunter and Dottie Simpson, whose daughter Anne (Class of 1978) rowed at Cal.

Overall, Cal and Washington split the four races on Saturday morning, with the Golden Bears winning the first and third varsity eight events.

"The varsity had their best race of the year," said head coach Al Acosta. "I thought they handled the conditions and pressure very well, and I'm proud of all our boats today. The varsity four and JV worked hard all the way down the course, but just could not match Washington's speed. The third varsity came out aggressive right from the start, and I am thrilled that so many of our freshman were able to get a feel for what this race means."

Saturday's dual on the Montlake Cut began with a meeting between the varsity four boats. While Cal tried to narrow the gap down the stretch, the Huskies handed the Bears their first loss of the season, topping Cal 7:16.82 to 7:23.49.

However Cal responded right away, as the third varsity eight bested Washington's third and fourth varsity eights. Racing out of lane two, the Bears led from the start, but dominated the final 1000m to secure the open-water victory.

Following a break in the action for the men's racing, the women got back in the water with the second varsity eight. The Bears kept it close for the first 1000m before the Huskies pulled away over the second half of the race, winning in a time of 6:17.30 to 6:25.30.

While the conditions started to worsen entering the final event, the First Varsity executed a calm and composed race plan to top the Huskies. Despite trailing after the first 500m, the Bears made their move around the midway mark and furthered their margin entering the cut. With the win, the varsity eight remains undefeated on the year, now having beaten six teams ranked in the top 10 nationally.

"The Cal-Washington dual is an amazing event," said Acosta. "We're grateful for all the extra work the Washington coaches and staff do to put on a great show. And on Monday, we need to get right back to work to prepare for Stanford."

The Bears will be back in action next Saturday, taking on Stanford at Redwood Shores for the Big Row on April 29. The showdown vs the Cardinal will be Cal's final race of the regular season.

For updates and information on the team throughout the year, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CalWCrew), Instagram (@CalWRowing), and Facebook (Facebook.com/CalWRowing).
 
Results
Women's First Varsity 4+: 1. Washington 7:16.82; 2. California 7:23.49
Women's Third Varsity 8+: 1. California 6:35.90; 2. Washington 6:44.96; 3. Washington (Freshman 8) 6:55.04
Women's Second Varsity 8+: 1. Washington 6:17.30; 2. California 6:25.30
Women's First Varsity 8+: 1. California 6:30.71; 2. Washington 6:38.34