In preparation for the grueling competition, Radcliffe has tapered its workout schedule and attempted to hone its technique, hoping to shave those vital final seconds off its times.

“Obviously we’ve been working to get faster,” Davies said. “We’ve been working a lot on swings in the middle of the stroke and finishing the stroke.”

The ability to maintain form will be crucial if the Black and White hopes to return to Cambridge victorious.

With a heat in the morning and hopefully a Grand Final in the afternoon, the rowers will be tired and stamina will carry the day.

“It’s two races in one day,” Schofield said. “So that’s a slightly different approach.”

Fortunately, Radcliffe will not need to face off against any of its top-ten Ivy rivals prior to the afternoon, possibly allowing for conservation of the squad’s strength.

“Hopefully if our heat isn’t too tough, we’ll save a little bit for the finals,” Schofield said. “If you have enough of a lead…you don’t go all out.”

But the crews will need to be consistent across the board. Even if the first varsity eights captures its title, second varsity eights and first varsity fours will both need to perform at their peaks, as the cumulative results determine the final outcome.

Radcliffe takes to the waters of the Cooper River in Camden, N.J., on Sunday morning.

—Staff writer Timothy J. McGinn can be reached at mcginn@fas.harvard.edu.