The Black and White novices put in very solid showings as well, with the 1N taking fourth in its Grand Finals and the 2N sixth in its.

Putting in one of its best races of the year, the 1N (6:46.79) edged Georgetown (6:47.28) in a photo finish, finishing about 13 seconds behind the Tigers.

In the morning’s prelims, the 2N stroked to the third-best time, but slipped down to the six spot in the Finals, crossing the line in 7:18.65, a little less than 30 seconds after the Bears.

The winner of each race receives the same number of points as there are participants in the race, with the first varsity eight race counting for slightly more. For instance, if there are 17 boats in the second varsity eight category, the winner gets 17 points and second takes 16 points, while the victor in a 17-team first varsity eight event is awarded 19 points and second gets 17 points.

Such a strong showing in the Sprints certainly sets Radcliffe up well for the NCAA Championships on May 27-29. The Black and White expect an invitation to the meet in Sacramento, Calif., to be forthcoming.

“[The finish at Sprints] is kind of like vindication,” Lambert said. “We’re going to be right there with the top schools in the country. We’ll know on the starting line in Sacramento that we deserve to be there.”

Members of the 2V are looking to nationals as a chance for redemption.

“Assuming we get the bid for nationals, we’re fired up for another shot,” Smith said.

After taking a couple days off to recover from the Sprints, the team will start up with two-a-days, and these upcoming weeks will provide plenty of time for Radcliffe to prepare for NCAAs.

“It’s kind of nice not being ranked No. 1,” Lambert said. “There’s a little bit of an underdog mentality to fuel the fire.”

—Staff writer J. Patrick Coyne can be reached at coyne@fas.harvard.edu.