Princeton University Athletics
Women's Lightweights Resume Radcliffe Rivalry For Class Of 1999 Cup
April 20, 2011 | Women's Rowing - Lightweight
The Princeton women are undefeated and ranked atop the nation, but for one weekend, none of that matters. When the lightweight crews from Princeton and Radcliffe line up next to each other, there is no need for added incentives.
Arguably the best rivalry in women's lightweight rowing resumes this weekend, as the No. 1 Princeton Tigers head to the Charles River to compete with the fourth-ranked Radcliffe Crimson for The Class of 1999 Cup. Princeton holds an all-time series edge of 9-2, though the two programs have split the series over the last two years.
Radcliffe last won this regatta in 2009, when it was also last held on the Charles. The Crimson won by more than four seconds and followed with a win over Princeton at the EAWRC championships, but Princeton bounced back at IRAs to beat Radcliffe for a spot on the medal stand.
Last season, Princeton went 3-for-3, including a home win by 2.3 seconds to regain The Class of 1999 Cup. Princeton followed with a silver at the Eastern Sprints and a bronze at the IRA national championships; that marked the first time Princeton medalled in both events since 2007.
That postseason performance was a springboard to the terrific start this season, when Princeton beat both Eastern champion Wisconsin and national champion Stanford during the season-opening weekend in California. Princeton, the unanimous No. 1 team in the country, is currently 5-0, though it hasn't raced in nearly three weeks. Princeton was scheduled to compete for The Class of 2006 Cup against No. 5 Georgetown last weekend, but rough water conditions on the Potomac postponed the regatta to April 30 on Lake Carnegie.
The Princeton 2V will also compete this weekend and will look to build on its 4-1 record this season.
The Radcliffe 1V is also 4-1 on the season, with its only loss coming by six seconds to No. 2 Stanford.