March 24, 2007

PRINCETON, N.J. -- Princeton jumped out to a slim lead at the start of the race and held onto it throughout the remainder of the course to post a 2.2 second victory over Navy in the varsity race between the two lightweight crew teams, Saturday on Lake Carnegie in Princeton, N.J. It was the first race of the season for both teams.

"Princeton started the race very well and took an early lead on us," said Navy head coach Rob Friedrich. "They looked a little faster than us today. It was a disappointing result, but I feel we put together a good first race of the season."

The defeat snaps a three-year winning streak by the Mids over the Tigers in the varsity race.

Navy recorded victories in three of the remaining four races contested on the day, winning the second varsity race by nearly four seconds, the third varsity race by three seconds and the second freshman race by 39 seconds.

"We were the boat to take an early lead and hold onto it in the junior varsity race," said Friedrich. "Our third varsity boat trailed by about a boat length with 500 meters left on the course, but still came back to win by a couple of seconds. Our second freshman boat had a fast start and won by a commanding margin."

Princeton's additional victory was a six-second triumph in the first freshman race.

"Our freshman boat lost to a very seasoned-looking Princeton crew," said Friedrich. "I am pleased, however, because I feel we can gain a lot of speed from this boat as the season goes on."

Navy will return to Lake Carnegie for its next race, a March 31 dual against Yale.

First Varsity
Princeton, 6:07.7; Navy, 6:09.9
Second Varsity
Navy, 6:11.0; Princeton, 6:14.8
Third Varsity
Navy, 6:19.2; Princeton, 6:22.3
First Freshman
Princeton, 6:15.7; Navy, 6:21.4
Second Freshman
Navy, 6:40.9; Princeton, 7:19.1