March 25, 2006

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy lightweight crew team opened its spring season by winning each of the four races against Princeton, Saturday morning on the Severn River in Annapolis.

Navy's varsity boat completed the 2,000-meter course in a time of 5:53.99 to narrowly edge Princeton's boat by a little more than one second (5:55.17). The margin of victory for Navy's second varsity boat was almost identical to that in the varsity race as the Mids recorded a time of 6:02.87 to top Princeton's time of 6:04.36.

Navy also won the third varsity race by 20 seconds and the freshman contest by seven seconds.

"It was a great day for us," said Navy head coach Rob Friedrich. "Both of our varsity boats trailed during their races, but I was proud of how both crews stayed under control and were able to come back for the win. I was especially pleased with how our freshman crews rowed.

"We haven't had as much water time as we would have liked, but I was really excited with how fast we were able to go at this point in the season. We know Princeton will get faster as the year goes on, so we will have to, as well."

Navy will compete against Yale one week from today on Lake Mercer in Mercer County, N.J.

Navy vs. Princeton Results Varsity - Navy, 5:53.99; Princeton, 5:55.17 Second Varsity - Navy, 6:02.87; Princeton, 6:04.36 Third Varsity - Navy, 6:18.78; Navy (4V), 6:20.69; Princeton, 6:38.72 Freshmen - Navy (1F), 6:15.00; Princeton, 6:22.68; Navy (2F), 6:35.44