SEATTLE -  In a meeting of the top crews in the nation, the Cal men's rowing team lived up to its No. 1 ranking, beating No. 2 Washington in the varsity eight to claim the Schoch Cup. The Bears and Huskies each won two races in the morning competition at the Montlake Cut before Cal traveled to Tacoma, sweeping all four events against 20th-ranked Oregon State.

In one of the best and most storied rivalries in men's college rowing, Cal and Washington squared off for the 106^th time on Saturday morning, racing at the Montlake Cut in Seattle. Cal, who topped Washington last year for the IRA National Championship, maintained its hold on the Schoch Cup, winning the first varsity eight for the third consecutive season. With the race conditions worsening throughout the morning, the Bears' varsity showed its composure and confidence, putting together an impressive piece to beat Washington 6:10.67 to 6:12.59.  

"It was a huge day for the varsity," said Cal associate head coach Scott Frandsen. "They performed really well under some very tough conditions at the start. In conditions that could have rattled a lot of crews, they really held their nerve and raced well. To have both our men's and women's programs winning the marquee events was very exciting for Cal rowing. Our thanks to Washington for putting on a fantastic event and making it such a great racing experience."

Cal's freshman also picked up an impressive win in the novice eight, pulling away in the final 500 meters to top Washington 5:52.45 to 5:57.59.

After wrapping up completion at the Cut, the Bears made the 50 mile journey south the Tacoma, where they took on No. 20 Oregon State in the afternoon on American Lake. The Bears swept all four races against the Beavers, capping a successful trip to the Evergreen State.

The Bears will be back in action on Saturday, April 29, when they return to Redwood Shores for the Big Row vs Stanford.

For more updates and information on the team throughout the race and the season, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CaliforniaCrew), Instagram (@CalCrew), and Facebook (Facebook.com/theFOCC).

Results
Morning Session vs Washington (Montlake Cut)
Men's 3V8+: 1.Washington 3V8 5:46.40; 2. Washington 4V8 5:46.73; 3. California 3V8 5:50.39                        
Men's Freshman 8+: 1. California 5:52.45; 2. Washington 5:57.59
Men's Second Varsity 8+ : 1. Washington 5:40.58; 2. California 5:42.57
Men's Varsity 8+: 1. California 6:10.67; 2. Washington 6:12.59

American Lake vs Oregon State
Men's Varsity 8+: 1. California 5:40.82; 2. Oregon State 5:45.91
Men's Second Varsity 8+: 1. California 5:49.96; 2. Oregon State 6:01.41
Men's 3V8+: 1. California 5:45.68; 2. Oregon State 5:54.11
Men's Freshman 8+: 1. California 5:49.79; 2. Oregon State  6:08.74