BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh rowing team captured both Varsity Eight races, taking 13-of-15 events overall to win the River Cup over Lafayette on Saturday. The Mountain Hawks captured all three trophies (men’s, women’s and overall) to continue their recent dominance over the Leopards.
“In all the priority boats that we raced, they all dominated the way we expected them to,” said Lehigh head coach Brian Conley. “Lafayette put out a good strong effort, but the training we’ve been doing all year and our focus came through.”
Both Men’s and Women’s Varsity Eight boats won their races by over 18 seconds. The men came in at 6:11.10, ahead of Lafayette’s time of 6:29.34. The women posted a time of 7:13.46 while the Leopards came in at 7:32.89.
“Doing well in this River Cup this year is really special,” said Conley. “We had a number of alumni return which is awesome to see. On top of that, the men were looking to redeem themselves from last year and the women wanted to make sure last year’s win wasn’t a fluke. They were able to go out there and do it again.”
Also winning were the Men’s Varsity Four, Men’s Novice Eight, Women’s Novice Four and more. For the complete results, please click here.
The women’s team returns to action at the Patriot League Championships next Sunday on the Cooper River in Camden, N.J. Both squads will then row in the Dad Vail Regatta from May 11-12 on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.
“I think the end of the season for any sport is always the most exciting time especially when you’ve seen yourself get faster throughout the year,” said Conley. “You don’t know how much faster until you go to these races and face some of the best teams in the country. It’s definitely exciting.”
Complete Results
Men’s Varsity Eight
1. Lehigh: 6:11.10
2. Lafayette: 6:29.34
Women’s Varsity Eight
1. Lehigh: 7:13.46
2. Lafayette: 7.32.89
For the complete results, please click here.