California captures Pac-12's seventh NCAA rowing title

GOLD RIVER, Calif. – CALIFORNIA women’s rowing claimed the ninth NCAA team title for the Pac-12 of the 2015-16 campaign and the third NCAA rowing crown in program history, winning the championship with 126 points on Sunday at Lake Natoma. Pac-12 institutions have won 487 all-time national team championships, and three in the past week, across all sports to lead the country.

The Golden Bears won their third national title in program history and the seventh for a Pac-12 institution. California now leads Pac-12 schools alongside WASHINGTON with three titles apiece.

California captured wins in the Grand Finals of the varsity four (7:08.410) and second eight (6:28.064) races and coupled the victories with a second-place finish in the varsity eight  (6:21.111) competition. Cal’s national championship in the 2V8 was the first win in the event for the Golden Bears in program history. California totaled 129 points for a three-point margin of victory to runner-up Ohio State’s 126.

Joining California with a podium finish was STANFORD, who totaled 107 points for fourth place. The Cardinal raced to a third-place finish in the varsity eight Grand Final (6:22.167), a third-place finish in the varsity eight Petite Final (6:39.821) and a fourth-place finish in the varsity fours (7:14.757). The Huskies combined for 106 points for fifth overall, paced by a second-place finish in the varsity four Grand Final (7:09.203).

WASHINGTON STATE (12th, 62 points) and USC (14th, 55 points) rounded out placing for Pac-12 crews.