FAIRFAX, Va. - The Navy lightweight team continued its spring schedule on Sunday with a three-race slate of competition on the Occoquan Reservoir at Sandy Run Regional Park in Northern Virginia. Entering its first, second and third varsity eight crews in races against George Washington and Jacksonville University, the Mids' top two crews placed second before its third boat finished in first to conclude the action.
"All three racing lineups today fought well against two well-coached crews in George Washington and Jacksonville," remarked head coach
Shawn Bagnall. "While we fought well down the race course, we also had a bit of fighting amongst ourselves as it related to the rhythm of the race cadence, and the composure needed to put together a full-measured 2000 meter race. In the First Varsity race, we got off the starting line well, but didn't counter the aggressive moves by GWU with our own united aggression through the middle of the piece. The 2V battled some stronger headwinds and did a nice job of being tenacious, but struggled to find a cohesive base-rhythm down the track. However, in the 3V race, our guys were able to achieve both a strong start and an outstanding base cadence, and the evidence was in the result. We've got work to do across the board as we head into the final weeks of the regular season, and I have no doubt these men and women are up to the task."
The first varsity eight crews from Navy, George Washington and Jacksonville kicked off the competition on Sunday. The Mids' lightweight crew found itself in a tight race with the Colonials' top heavyweight boat for most of the 2,000 meters. A fast start allowed Navy to pace the field for a portion of the race, but George Washington was unfazed and overtook the Mids over time and secured a 4.5-second margin of victory, 6:03.1 to 6:07.6. Navy's time was nearly 12 seconds better than Jacksonville's heavyweight entry that clocked in at 6:19.4.
The same finishing order occurred in the second varsity eight race with the George Washington's heavyweight offering knocking off the lightweight Navy squad. The Mids were unable to answer an early lead by the Colonials, who pushed ahead for a 12.7-second victory, 6:21.3 to 6:34.0. Jacksonville was well off the pace of the top two boats and crossed the finish line with a time of 7:01.7.
In the final race of the day, Navy's third varsity eight was the star as the Mids went wire-to-wire on their way to a 14.5-second victory, 6:25.6 to 6:40.1 over the Colonials. The Dolphins completed the race in third place at 6:55.2.
"We are especially proud of two Firstie Mids in the Third Varsity today,
John Feng and
Howard Francis, who have worked relentlessly to earn seats in our top racing boats this year," said Bagnall in closing. "They provided both the power and leadership in that crew today, and I know our team is excited to see them finish their Naval Academy careers on a strong note the next few weeks."Â
Navy will be back in action next Saturday, April 24 with head-to-head action at the University of Virginia.
Race Results
First Varsity Eight
George Washington - 6:03.1
Navy - 6:07.6
Jacksonville - 6:19.4
Second Varsity Eight
George Washington - 6:21.3
Navy - 6:34.0
Jacksonville - 7:01.7
Third Varsity Eight
Navy - 6:25.6
George Washington - 6:40.1
Jacksonville - 6:55.2
Boat Lineups
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