May 4, 2008

PRINCETON, N.J. - The Navy heavyweight rowing team posted a three-race sweep over Columbia in a dual between the lower boats from the two programs, Sunday on Lake Carnegie in Princeton, N.J.

The second varsity contest Sunday was very even through the first half of the race before a strong second half of the course allowed Navy to win the race by a margin of 3.5 seconds.

"We were slowly able to pull away from Columbia over the last 1,000 meters," said Navy assistant coach Mike Guerrieri.

The Mids posted a winning time of 6:18.3, with the Lions following in a time of 6:21.8.

Columbia managed to rally from a one-boat length deficit in the freshman race, but the effort fell just short as Navy narrowly edged the Lions at the finish line. The Mids recorded a winning time of 6:17.3, with the Lions finishing the course in a clocking of 6:17.8.

Navy was able to enjoy a sizeable victory in the varsity four race as the Mids crossed the finish line nearly 13 seconds ahead of the Lions (7:28.5-7:41.2).

Columbia won the varsity race over Navy when those two boats met April 20.

The entire Navy rowing team will next be in action May 18 at the Eastern Sprints Championship.

Second Varsity
Navy, 6:18.3; Columbia, 6:21.8
Freshman
Navy, 6:17.3; Columbia, 6:17.8
Varsity Four
Navy, 7:28.5; Columbia, 7:41.2