June 5, 2001

CAMDEN, NJ - On Saturday, June 3, the Villanova Wildcat women's rowing team was back in action at the 2001 IRA National Lightweight Championships. The 'Cats returned to the waters hoping to finish in the top two for the fifth consecutive year, but fell just short, posting a time of 7:05.86 to place fifth.

Villanova began the IRA National Lightweight Championships with preliminary heats on Friday in flat water with a light cross-head. The Wildcats were placed in heat number three with MIT, Radcliffe, and Georgetown. Villanova emerged in second place just .56 seconds behind the heat winner MIT. The 'Cats crossed the line in a time of 7:28.71. The small defeat would hurt the Wildcats as they had to race again in the reps for the right to go the Grand Final. MIT would earn an automatic bid to the final with the slight victory.

Villanova participated in rep three and rowed to the victory in a time of 7:12.76, despite a cross-head and intermittent light rain. The Wildcats defeated St. Joe's and Dayton for the right to go to the Grand Final for the fifth consecutive year. In the Grand Final, Villanova joined Princeton, Wisconsin, Radcliffe, MIT, and Mercyhurst. The Wildcats entered the race looking for their second National Championship in their five-year varsity history.

Villanova rowed well in the Grand Final, but could not overcome season long powers Princeton and Wisconsin. The Tigers and Badgers pulled away from the field to place first and second, respectively with times of 6:47.5 and 6:53.36. Villanova would cross in fifth with a time of 7:05.86. Radcliffe placed third, MIT finished, fourth, and Mercyhurst crossed in sixth.

Women's Varsity Lightweight Eight Grand Final 
1. Princeton	6:47.5
2. Wisconsin	6:53.36
3. Radcliffe	7:02.14
4. MIT		7:02.58
5. Villanova  	7:05.86
6. Mercyhurst	7:07.01