WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The No. 7 Navy lightweight rowing team had a day for the record books as the Mids' (1-1) first varsity eight laid it all out on the line and knocked off No. 5 Yale (0-1) to earn possession of the Eads Johnson Cup for the first time since 2010. Participating in a three-contest slate of neutral site racing at Mercer Lake, the Mids and Bulldogs were competitive throughout the matchup as Yale won the second and third varsity eight races to retain the Jon Van Amringe Team Points Cup.

"This early season racing with Yale is always extremely competitive, and this evening was no exception," remarked head coach Shawn Bagnall. "All three races were very tight from start-to-finish, and while not on the right side of the results every race, we gained further understanding of what we need to improve training toward our championship season. 
 
"It is obviously an honor for us to earn the Eads Johnson Cup, honoring a WWII veteran and 20+ year Officer in the US Navy. His connection to both Yale and Navy makes this a special race on our calendar each year." 
 
The action on Mercer Lake began with a third varsity eight matchup. Close throughout, Yale held off Navy at the finish line by 2.27 seconds, 6:10.87 to 6:13.14.
 
The Bulldogs made it two-for-two and clinched the Jon Von Amringe Team Points Cup as they clocked in 3.61 seconds faster than the Mids in the second varsity eight with a time of 5:55.22 versus a 5:58.83 mark for Navy.
 
With the Eads Johnson Cup on the line for the victor of the first varsity eight competition, the Mids fought throughout the 2,000-meter course and bested the Bulldogs down the stretch to earn the 5:48.81 to 5:51.09 decision. The victory allowed Navy to bring the trophy back home to Hubbard Hall for the first time in 14 years.
 
"I am proud of how our team worked through this week to improve from last Saturday, and I have no doubt they are motivated to continue the process," said Bagnall in closing. "They continue to put in the thoughtful work, and that makes the middle boat bay at Hubbard Hall an awesome place to be each day."  
 
Navy will continue its early season slate of action with a road matchup versus Columbia next Saturday. The Mids and Lions will be racing at Overpeck Park in Leonia, N.J.
 
Race Results
First Varsity Eight
Navy – 5:48.81
Yale – 5:51.09
 
Second Varsity Eight
Yale – 5:55.22
Navy – 5:58.83
 
Third Varsity Eight
Yale – 6:10.87
Navy – 6:13.14

Boat Lineups

	First Varsity Eight	Second Varsity Eight	Third Varsity Eight
1	Decker Moy-Jacobs	Frank Keusenkothen	Colin Dupon
2	Andy Fichtel	Robby Klanac	Karl Florida
3	Stephen Frost	Leo Wagner	Nathan Faust
4	Nani Veluchamy	Owen O'Malley	Nihkolai Johnson-Newman
5	Brooks Kirchen	Noah Ferguson	Ramon Mendoza
6	Jonathan Sauer	Tanner Hamilton	Thomas Kelly
7	Paddy McNamara	Luke McIntosh	Sam Sheridan
Str.	Luca Mezzanotte	Pete Carino	Colson Poillucci
Cox.	Mia Sachs	Charles Francesconi	Kelly Bye