A week after the victory, Radcliffe, after climbing to No. 3 in the polls, successfully defended the O’Leary Cup, defeating No. 17 Syracuse and Dartmouth, sweeping all five races contested.

The story of team leadership hidden behind the numbers was even more impressive. Sarah Marvel ‘03 had been walking on crutches the entire day because of an injured ankle.

Without Marvel in the line-up, the varsity boat’s chances at victory would have been seriously diminished. But she still took her place in the boat, setting aside both her pain and crutches.

At the end of the day, the varsity eight boat had won by over four seconds in a time of 6:11.1, the fourth fastest time in Radcliffe history and just over four seconds away from the all-time record for the team.

“The seniors played a big part in our achievements, not just because they were technically good rowers and were strong, but because they were good role models,” said McLoon. “The captains, Courtney Brown and Sarah Psutka, had high expectations for the team, but were willing to follow their own advice.”

As the team proved that it belonged with the best in the country, expectations rose as well.

Weekend Warriors

On the weekend of April 26-27, Radcliffe took to the Charles for two competitions—a feat rarely attempted by any crew. The Black and White faced off against No. 9 Yale and No. 13 Virginia on Saturday, before competing in a postponed regatta from earlier in the year against Brown the following day.

“This was a tough weekend,” said Fisher remembering these two days in April. “Racing twice in one weekend is always exhausting, especially against two consistently fast teams.”

Holding the top rank in the Eastern Association of Women’s Rowing Colleges (EAWRC), Radcliffe started off the weekend in top form, with the varsity eight boat beating Yale by 2 seconds to reclaim the Case Cup, with UVA one second behind further off the pace.

In the second varsity eight and varsity four races, the Black and White also finished on top by three and 15 seconds respectively.

Everything seemed to be working with Radcliffe crew undefeated in the duals season and its national ranking at No. 1.

But Sunday’s race served the Black and White reality check.

The crew’s fatigue from the previous day’s racing took its toll as the varsity eight boat finished three seconds behind No. 8 Brown’s lead boat.

Rather than sulk and wallow in defeat, the loss to the Bears became a rallying cry for the remainder of the season.