In the Grand Final, reigning national champion Princeton successful defended its title with a time of 6:47.5 over Wisconsin’s 6:53.36. Radcliffe’s time of 7:02.14 took third, just edging out MIT’s 7:02.58.

“Princeton jumped out by themselves and led the race,” said captain Laura Heyns. “We were jostling for position with MIT and trading seats down the course. We entered the last 20 strokes dead even when Nancy [Poon] called a special sprint that jacked the rating right up. When we finished, we couldn’t see who was ahead until we were announced.”

Princeton and Wisconsin have ruled over the lightweight field all spring, besting the Black and White all three times they have met. MIT, however, has not had as notoriously strong a program although its increasing speed was noted in the dual race on May 5 of this season.

“[It’s a] great move for MIT,” Heyns said. “Actually the entire field is getting more competitive.”

Heyns and Poon are the only seniors in the boat, leaving seven veterans in a boat that promises further success.

“I’m really pleased,” said captain Laura Heyns. “We raced a great race in the Grand Final. Princeton and Wisconsin were just faster that day.”