March 31, 2007

PRINCETON, N.J. -- Princeton jumped out to an early lead and extended its advantage throughout the course in posting a 14-second victory over Navy in the varsity race between the two heavyweight programs, Saturday on Lake Carnegie in Princeton, N.J.

Navy's boat took a very slight lead of no more than one seat right at the start of the race, but Princeton quickly reversed that margin and held an identical advantage after the opening 25 strokes of the race. By 500 meters the Tigers already held a one-boat length lead and proceeded to expand the margin over the remainder of the race.

Princeton crossed the finish line in a winning time of 6:04.6, with Navy recording a time of 6:18.1 for the 2000 meters.

"Princeton's cruising speed was better than ours," said Navy head coach Rick Clothier. "They were rowing at a much higher rate than we were and kept that pace up throughout the race.

"Overall we feel pretty good about the day and being able to win two of the three varsity eight races, but we are disappointed in the first varsity result."

Navy posted a nine-second victory in the second varsity race and won the third varsity race by nearly 16 seconds. The Tigers picked up a second victory on the day in the freshman race.

Navy will next race for the Adams Cup against Harvard and Penn Saturday in Boston.

First Varsity
Princeton, 6:04.6; Navy, 6:18.1
Second Varsity
Navy, 6:13.5; Princeton, 6:22.4
Third Varsity
Navy 3V, 6:31.8; Princeton 3V, 6:47.4; Navy 2F, 6:55.5
First Freshman
Princeton, 6:15.8; Navy, 6:36.2