In its first race of the 2005 spring season Saturday, the Radcliffe varsity women’s lightweight crew defeated Georgetown.

Thunderstorms in Washington, D.C., delayed the start of the races for several hours.

Once the boats finally hit the water, the strong headwind made for difficult racing.

The Black and White led from the start against the Hoyas, gaining seats from the Georgetown boat in the race’s first strokes.

Short power pieces at the 500- and 1000-meter marks widened the Radcliffe lead, and the Black and White held a significant open water advantage in the second half of the race.

Radcliffe finished in 8:29.25, and Georgetown crossed the line in 8:37.05, almost three lengths behind.

With the victory, the varsity captured the Class of 2004 Cup, donated by last season’s seven graduating Radcliffe seniors and given to the winner of the varsity dual race.

The Radcliffe first novice boat defeated Georgetown by open water.

Because of the turbulent weather conditions, a flag was not positioned at the end of the course for the novice race, leaving the race untimed.

The lightweights will race Tufts on the Charles River this Saturday.

—AIDAN E. TAIT