BOSTON – The Navy heavyweight rowing team had the tough task of going up against a pair of top-eight programs on Saturday on the historic Charles River. Matched up versus the host No. 3 Harvard Crimson and No. 8 Penn Quakers over a slate of five contests on a 2,000-meter stretch of the Charles, the Mids came away with a victory by their fifth varsity eight crew. In the competition of the Adams and Clothier Cups the host Crimson retained both trophies.
A one-on-one matchup between Navy and Penn's fifth varsity eight crews led off the action on Saturday morning. Extremely close throughout the race, the Mids' 5V had enough speed to hold off the Quakers and crossed the finish line 2.3 seconds ahead at 6:27.6 versus a 6:29.9 mark for Penn.
The lineup for racing flipped to the top of the order as the Adams Cup was on the line in the ensuing contest between the first varsity eight crews. Harvard built up an early advantage and had a seat on Penn and five-plus on Navy within the first 300 meters. The Crimson and Quakers broke away and claimed open water over the Mids shortly after passing the 500-meter mark. In the second half of the race, Harvard flexed its muscle and out-paced the field with a victorious time of 5:50.2. Penn came in second at 5:53.3, while Navy placed third with a 6:04.9 time.
A similar story played out in the ensuing second varsity eight race as Harvard and Penn sprinted out of the blocks quickly and had seats on Navy in short order. After the teams settled into their base rhythm, the Crimson and Quakers eventually put open water between themselves and the Mids near the 750-meter mark. Down the stretch, Harvard earned its second win in as many races with a 2.0-second margin of victory over Penn, 6:02.7 to 6:04.7. Navy completed its piece with a time of 6:17.1.
After beginning its series of races in dry conditions, the rain and wind began to pick up and make itself known during the second half of the meet. The hosts displayed their speed and strength immediately from the opening whistle and went wire-to-wire in a spaced-out third varsity eight contest. Harvard eased to an open water victory over Penn by 6.9 seconds, 6:10.6 to 6:17.5. Navy posted a 6:34.8 time to finish in third place.
Racing in a consistent rain with additional chop, the final race of morning saw Harvard complete its four-for-four day with a victory in the fourth varsity eight contest. The Crimson and Quakers went one, two down the course and completed the closest race of the meet with Harvard holding on for a 1.9-second decision, 6:11.9 to 6:13.8. Navy's 4V crossed the finish line with a 6:31.1 result.
Navy will complete its regular season next Sunday with another Eastern Sprints League matchup as it travels to Mercer County, N.J. for a head-to-head matchup with Columbia. The Mids and Lions' V8 will duke it out for the right to take home the Stevenson Cup.
Race Results
First Varsity Eight
Harvard – 5:50.2
Penn – 5:53.3
Navy – 6:04.9
Second Varsity Eight
Harvard – 6:02.7
Penn – 6:04.7
Navy – 6:17.1
Third Varsity Eight
Harvard – 6:10.6
Penn – 6:17.5
Navy – 6:34.8
Fourth Varsity Eight
Harvard – 6:11.9
Penn – 6:13.8
Navy – 6:31.1
Fifth Varsity Eight
Navy – 6:27.6
Penn – 6:29.9
Boat Lineups
