June 30, 2006

HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England - California's freshman eight advanced to the semifinals of the Temple Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta with another convincing victory Friday.

The Bears crossed the finish line in 6:45 for a 3 1/4-length victory over Glasgow University. The winning margin was the largest of all the quarterfinal races.

Two U.S. squads will face each other in one semifinal Saturday, as Cal will race against Cornell's lightweight crew. The other semifinal features Oxford Brookes University "A" vs. A.S.R Nereus (Holland).

The Temple Challenge Cup for eights is open to crews from universities, colleges or schools and consists of five rounds of match races to determine a champion. Trinity College of Hartford, Conn, captured the title last year, while Cal reached the quarterfinals.

Visit www.hrr.co.uk for complete results from the Henley Royall Regatta.