Friday, May 28
West Windsor, N.J.
Princeton University
vs
IRA Championships
Photo by: Beverly Schaefer
Women's Lightweight Rowing V8 Wins National Championship!
May 28, 2021 | Women's Rowing - Lightweight
Second.
Third.
Third.
Sixth.
Fourth.
The last five finishes for the Princeton women's lightweight rowing varsity eight have included three straight medals.
That's very nice accomplishment.
Now they can add a gold.
For the first time since 2003, the Tigers won the varsity eight national championship, cruising to a dominating 26.3-second victory over Wisconsin.
"It's a bit bittersweet," said head coach Paul Rassam. "I say that because we had the speed to win last year and obviously the people from that boat didn't get that chance. When I think of this group my heart nearly bursts with pride. They are cut from granite. They are one of the best boats I've ever seen. They are champions in every way and words don't do them justice."
The V8 boat jumped out to an early lead and kept building its advantage until the race was never in doubt.
"Despite being on the team for four years, this was my first year at IRAs," stated Ashley Scott. "To be able to go out and win after four years on the team and nearly a year away from the boathouse is a testament to the resilience and strength of every single rower in our boat. I am unspeakably proud of this crew and there is no better way to end my time at Princeton."
"After four years of growing momentum on this team and 15 months of training through uncertainty, it feels incredible to finally see it all come together to win a national title," said Annie Anezakis. "Today's result means so much to us because it is a reflection of the unshakeable faith and grit our whole team has shown all season in addition to our determination to race for the Class of 2020 and our coaches who we are all beyond grateful for."
Earlier in the morning, the 2X boat placed fourth in its final (9:44.56). Boston University took the title (9:08.72), followed by Stanford and Oklahoma City.
"Our double had a great race," stated Rassam. "Coach Costas did a great job with them over the past month. Those were tough conditions and they really raced it.
With the IRA title, this is Princeton Athletics' 207th national championship. It's the sixth for the women's lightweight program.
Third.
Third.
Sixth.
Fourth.
The last five finishes for the Princeton women's lightweight rowing varsity eight have included three straight medals.
That's very nice accomplishment.
Now they can add a gold.
For the first time since 2003, the Tigers won the varsity eight national championship, cruising to a dominating 26.3-second victory over Wisconsin.
"It's a bit bittersweet," said head coach Paul Rassam. "I say that because we had the speed to win last year and obviously the people from that boat didn't get that chance. When I think of this group my heart nearly bursts with pride. They are cut from granite. They are one of the best boats I've ever seen. They are champions in every way and words don't do them justice."
The V8 boat jumped out to an early lead and kept building its advantage until the race was never in doubt.
"Despite being on the team for four years, this was my first year at IRAs," stated Ashley Scott. "To be able to go out and win after four years on the team and nearly a year away from the boathouse is a testament to the resilience and strength of every single rower in our boat. I am unspeakably proud of this crew and there is no better way to end my time at Princeton."
"After four years of growing momentum on this team and 15 months of training through uncertainty, it feels incredible to finally see it all come together to win a national title," said Annie Anezakis. "Today's result means so much to us because it is a reflection of the unshakeable faith and grit our whole team has shown all season in addition to our determination to race for the Class of 2020 and our coaches who we are all beyond grateful for."
Earlier in the morning, the 2X boat placed fourth in its final (9:44.56). Boston University took the title (9:08.72), followed by Stanford and Oklahoma City.
"Our double had a great race," stated Rassam. "Coach Costas did a great job with them over the past month. Those were tough conditions and they really raced it.
With the IRA title, this is Princeton Athletics' 207th national championship. It's the sixth for the women's lightweight program.
Nothing but smiles and hugs from the National Champions. pic.twitter.com/ATAUqLYsmi
— Tiger Light Women (@tigerwlights) May 28, 2021
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing - Lightweight
/ Women's Rowing - Lightweight
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