PRINCETON, N.J. – The Navy lightweight rowing team kicked its 2023 campaign off on Saturday with a full slate of racing on the road against Princeton in an Eastern Sprints League matchup. Going head-to-head over a 2,000-meter stretch of Lake Carnegie, the Mids (0-1) secured a win by its fourth varsity eight, while the host Tigers (1-0) collected victories by their first, second and third crews. After Navy won the Murtaugh Cup in 2022, Princeton's triumph in the first varsity eight race allowed it re-gain control of the trophy for the next year.
Â
Getting on the water in reverse order, the fourth varsity crews raced first on Saturday. Navy was dominant throughout the contest as it sprinted out to a four-plus seat lead over the first 250 meters before completely clearing Princeton by the 500-meter mark. Over the ensuing 1,500 meters the Mids continued pulling away and eventually clocked in 11.8 seconds ahead of the Tigers with a 6:28.3 to 6:40.1 final margin.
Â
Next up were the third varsity crews of Navy and Princeton. Similar to the previous race, a quick start would play a factor in the ultimate outcome as the Tigers broke out to an early two-seat advantage through the opening sprint before increasing it to six seats by the quarter mark. The hosts held that margin throughout most of the final 1,500 meters as the Mids kept contact and fought throughout with multiple charges. At the finish line, Princeton secured a 3.4-second victory, 6:16.1 to 6:19.5.
Â
The third contest of the morning slate featured the second varsity boats from each program. A fast start by Princeton helped it break out to a half-boat lead early versus Navy. Over the middle portion of the race, the Mids settled in and matched the Tigers' pace. Down the stretch, Navy kept it close and fell by just three seconds to Princeton at the conclusion, 6:07.5 to 6:10.5.
Â
With the Murtaugh Cup on the line in the final race of the series, Princeton used a stout initial sprint by its first varsity crew and broke out to a slight three-seat lead by the 500-meter juncture. Advancing up to nearly a full-boat lead by the mid-way point, the Tigers withstood a strong rebuttal by the Mids in the second half of the contest before pulling away during the final push for a 5:55.4 to 6:00.0 final decision.
Â
"It was good to get the 2023 campaign off to a solid start," remarked head coach
Shawn Bagnall. "Our results are obviously highlighted by the 4V racing well, fending off some strong attacks after squeaking ahead in the first 500 of the race. Much of the racing in the 1V through 3V unfolded with aspects that we can address, and we'll undoubtedly improve in the coming weeks of the regular season. Outside of that, we've got a good benchmark after racing the top ranked Varsity 8+ in the nation, and we intend to get back to work tomorrow."
Â
Navy continue its early season action next Saturday afternoon with a neutral site matchup versus Yale at Mercer Lake in West Windsor, N.J. The Mids and Bulldogs will be battling for the Eads Johnson and Van Amringe Cups starting at 4 p.m.
 Â
Race Results
First Varsity Eight
Princeton – 5:55.4
Navy – 6:00.0
Â
Second Varsity Eight
Princeton – 6:07.5
Navy – 6:10.5
Â
Third Varsity Eight
Princeton – 6:16.1
Navy – 6:19.5
Â
Fourth Varsity Eight
Navy – 6:28.3
Princeton – 6:40.1
Â
Boat Lineups
Â
