The Yale Bulldogs women’s rowing team won all races against Dartmouth and retained the Class of 1985 Cup in its first home race of the spring season, according to an April 11 announcement. The event took place in Derby, Connecticut, with victories by the varsity eight, second varsity eight, third varsity eight, varsity four, and second varsity four.
The results underscore Yale’s strong performance this season. The varsity eight finished with a time of 5:59.5—10.5 seconds ahead of Dartmouth—while the second varsity eight posted a winning time of 6:09.0. The third varsity eight also secured victory at 6:23.3.
Will Porter, Friends of YWC Head Coach for Yale Bulldogs Women’s Rowing, said about the team’s efforts: “The entire team took a step forward today. The weather has been relentless, but they are so positive and just keep pressing on. Today they looked strong and steady.” On breaking six minutes in the first varsity race he said: “The 1V had good base rhythm today that seemed very sustainable, all-day speed. Breaking 6 is not easy.” Porter added praise for other crews as well: “The 2V rowed long and steady the entire way,” while noting tough conditions for fours crews but saying they “handled it quite well.” He continued: “We need to find separation between our top two fours. We will keep looking for a combination in that group that breaks away.” About lineup changes he said: “The 3V eight rowed a very good race in a new lineup.”
Yale Bulldogs Women’s Rowing competes as part of the Ivy League and NCAA Division I according to the official website. The program is affiliated with Yale University athletics according to its official website and participates within both NCAA Division I competition in the Ivy League as well as membership in the Eastern Association of Women’s Rowing Colleges according to its official website. It operates as an intercollegiate sports program based out of New Haven, Connecticut according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Yale will travel next week to compete against Princeton for the Eisenberg Cup along with Tennessee and Virginia.
