WEST WINDSOR, N.J. — The University of Washington men’s varsity eight finished fourth at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships at Mercer Lake on Sunday, ending the Huskies’ unprecedented streak of national titles at five.
Fast-starting California used an early lead to top the fourth-seeded Huskies, the five-time defending national champions, and hold off top-seeded Yale and Princeton for the national title. Cal raced the 2,000-meter course in 5:38.7, Yale finished second in 5:40.7, Princeton third in 5:41.9 and Washington fourth in 5:44.5.
Despite making surges in the first 500 meters and last 500 meters, the Huskies were unable to catch the Ivy League powers or Pac-12 rival Cal, which opened up a seven-seat lead over Yale 750 meters in and was never seriously challenged.