Bears Complete Big Row - California Golden Bears Athletics

Saturday, May 4

Redwood Shores, CA

All Day

California

Stanford

The Bears Varsity 8 celebrates the victory against Stanford in the Big Row.

5/4/2019 11:38 AM | Women's Rowing

Cal Varsity Eight Tops Stanford To Close Regular Season

By: Cal Athletics

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - The perfect season continues for the Bears' varsity eight!

In Saturday's regular season finale for the Cal women's rowing team, the Golden Bears' top boat beat out Stanford's in a matchup of two of the top crews in the country at Redwood Shores. Cal took a lead into the final 500 meters and carried its speed through the finish, clocking in at an impressive 6:09. With the win, the Bears' varsity eight remains undefeated on the season and adds another impressive result against a top opponent.

"I'm really proud of [the varsity eight] for having a nice row this morning and putting up fast time," said Cal head coach Al Acosta. "Since San Diego, every week we've raced it's been against one of the top teams in the country. It's mentally exhausting, it's physically exhausting, but they've handled it really well. We'll get some good training these next two weeks, get a chance to get their legs back a little bit, and then try to go every faster."

The dual between two of the top teams in the country saw competitive racing throughout the morning, as both teams competed in support of cancer research and in honor of the late Jill Costello. After a victory from the Bears' novice eight, the next four races went to the Cardinal before Cal's varsity eight closed the day with the win.

Stanford finished first in the third varsity eight before a down-to-the-wire result in the varsity four, the closest race of the morning. The Bears and Cardinal were neck-and-neck in the final 500 meters, before Stanford ultimately pulled ahead, edging the Bears by two seconds to take the win. In the second varsity eight, the Bears and Cardinal were separated by just a few seats heading into the final 500 meters but Stanford was able to hold on for the victory.

"We've been making really good progress," Acosta said. "The whole team is back and healthy. Obviously, you want to win every race, but our times are strong and keep improving. We've feeling good and are excited for Pac-12s in two weeks."

Cal will hope to take momentum from Saturday's dual into the Pac-12 Championship at Lake Natoma on Saturday, May 19. Cal, Stanford, and Washington, who round out the top three teams in the nation, will all be in action and racing for the conference title. Cal took second place at last year's Pac-12 Championship and has finished as first or second every year for the past four seasons.

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

Results

Novice 8+
1.	California (Novice 8+)	7:02:46
2.	Stanford (Lightweight)	7:44.05
Third Varsity 8+
1.	Stanford	6:42.70
2.	California	6:52.50
Second Varsity 4+
1.	Stanford	7:32.50
2.	California	7:54.60
Varsity 4+
1.	Stanford	7:06.60
2.	California	7:08.80
Second Varsity 8+
1.	Stanford	6:20.90
2.	California	6:24.10
Varsity 8+
1.	Cal	6:09.30
2.	Stanford	6:14.30