April 9, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Navy women's crew team delivered first-place times in three races during the opening day of the George Washington Invitational on Friday afternoon on the Potomac River.

Navy's best performances came in both varsity four races. The Midshipmen produced a time of 7:02.5 to finish 14.8 seconds ahead of Georgetown and 19.1 seconds in front of St. Joseph's. Navy's other boat in the event completed the race in 7:21.8 for an 18.2-second cushion over St. Joseph's and a 34.2-second margin of victory against Georgetown.

The Midshipmen also recorded a narrow 0.8-second victory in the third varsity eight race against St. Joseph's, 6:50.2-6:51.0.

Navy suffered setbacks in the first varsity eight and second varsity eight events. The Midshipmen were topped by St. Joseph's in the top race, 6:18.8-6:28.4, and in the second varsity eight competition, 6:24.5-6:27.4.

"Quite frankly, we did not have a good day," stated Navy head coach Mike Hughes. "The water was terrible, but St. Joseph's handled the water and we let the water handle us. We've got two races tomorrow to come back and get our heads up."

The Midshipmen (7-4) will conclude their action at the George Washington Invitational tomorrow. Navy will square off against Central Florida in the morning races before taking on host George Washington in the afternoon races.

Navy at the George Washington Invitational • Friday, April 9, 2010
First Varsity Eight - St. Joseph's 6:18.8, Navy 6:28.4
Second Varsity Eight - St. Joseph's 6:24.5, Navy 6:27.4
Varsity Four - Navy 7:02.5, Georgetown 7:17.3, St. Joseph's 7:21.6
Varsity Four - Navy 7:21.8, St. Joseph's 7:39.0, Georgetown 7:56.0
Third Varsity Eight - Navy `A' 6:50.2, St. Joseph's 6:51.0, Navy `B' 7:10.0