No. 10 California women's rowing excelled at the San Diego Crew Classic, securing all five entries in the top three of their events. The Bears' third varsity eight and second varsity four both finished in second place while the other entries took third, competing against elite teams like Texas and Washington. Despite challenging weather conditions with heavy fog and winds on the second day, Cal showcased their competitive spirit and skill. Key races included a close contest in the Jessop-Whittier Cal Cup final, where they finished third after encountering debris. Coach Al Acosta emphasized the positives from the races, looking forward to the upcoming matchup with Washington.

By the Numbers
  • Cal's third varsity eight finished second in 7:06.082, just behind Texas.
  • The first varsity four completed their race in 7:51.162, eight seconds shy of Washington's second place.
Yes, But

While the Bears performed strongly, they did not achieve their desired finishes, particularly in the first varsity eight race, where debris impacted their performance. Nevertheless, Acosta noted that the results aligned with pre-race expectations.

State of Play
  • All five Cal entries secured top-three finishes, showcasing consistent strength against top competitors.
  • The team faced challenging weather conditions, impacting race dynamics compared to the first day.
What's Next

Cal is set to host a dual meet against Washington on April 11, which will serve as an important benchmark for the team's progress over the next two weeks.

Bottom Line

California women's rowing demonstrated resilience and potential at the Crew Classic, laying a foundation for future competitions. The upcoming match against Washington will be crucial for assessing and advancing their competitiveness.