April 27, 1997

Cal Women's Crew Beats Washington State

SEATTLE - The Cal women's varsity eight defeated the Washington State Cougars by two seconds in dual racing on the Montlake Cut on early Sunday, April 27. The Bears, coming off a loss to the Washington Huskies on Saturday, recorded a time three seconds better than the previous day's, crossing the line in a time of 6:20 .4.

"I really think we're coming together as a crew," said coach Anna Considine. " I think we're getting faster. Every race that this young crew rows will give it more experience which will better prepare them for the next."

The varsity race got off to a clean start and the Bears took the lead in the early going. After Cal moved out to a one boat-length lead, the Cougars began to close as the two crews entered the final 500 meters of the race. The Bears, however, were too much for their counterparts and sprinted to the finish line, crossing one-half length ahead of Washington State. The win should move the Bears up to the No. 4 slot in the NCAA regional rankings behind Washington, Stanford and Oregon State.

In the JV race, the Cougars proved to be the better crew finishing 6.5 seconds up on the Bears.

Cal's novice eight recorded the largest margin of victory of the day defeating WSU by 8.5 seconds The novice were in control from start to finish and will remain the No. 2-ranked crew in the West.

Cal's next race will be on May 3, when both men's and women's crews cross the Bay to take on Stanford at Redwood Shores.

Results:
Washington State Dual--April 27 (Women Only)     
Women's Varsity
1.  Cal 6:20.40
2.  Wash. State 6:22.40
        
Women's JV       
1.  Wash. State 6:33.80
2.  Cal 6:40.30
        
Women's Novice       
1.  Cal 6:38.10
2.  Wash. State 6:46.60