April 12, 1999

Camden, N.J. - Over 40 schools participated in the first annual Knecht Cup on Copper River in Camden N.J., hosted by Villanova University. For the Villanova's defending national championship women's Lightweight Eight boat, it was another victory with a time of 7:07.10, defeating runner-up University of Massachusetts by 9.93 seconds. The Wildcats also won the Varsity Eight, Freshmen/Novice Lightweight Eight and Second Varsity Eight races.

In other Nova action, the Varsity Lightweight Four finished third behind Vassar and Pittsburgh, while the Freshmen/Novice Four finished fourth with a time of 7:26.47. The winner, University of Massachusetts notched a time of 7:15.07.

On Sunday, in races independent from the Knecht Cup, Villanova's Lightweight Eight lost a tough battle to Princeton as the Tigers posted the winning time of 7:54.85, as Nova fell short with a time of 8:05.95.

"We had a nice weekend and I am proud of our ladies, they have worked extremely hard," said head Coach Jack St. Clair. "Our Lightweight Eight boat was very tired from Saturday's performance and they gave it all they had."

Last season, Villanova won the lightweight eight national championship for the first time in school history. Following their title, the team traveled to England to take part in the prestigious Henley Regatta.