The Tufts Jumbos did not succumb to any nerves or first time jitters today, as their Second Varsity Eight finished a close second place, and the First Varsity took a commanding lead over Wesleyan at halfway and did not look back, winning by close to open water to seal the deal.

This is Tuft's first NCAA title in women's rowing.

"This title is huge for Tufts rowing," said first year head coach Lily Carbeck. "All of the athletes in all 5 boats this season contributed to this win! Last year's finish at NCAAs was an important stepping stone! Third as a team was the best finish for Tufts rowing and it fueled our 2023-2024 campaign. This year, the team came in eager to train and hit the ground running with a competitive fall."

The Tufts 1V sealed the deal with a strong second 1000

For Carbeck, it felt fitting that the title came down to her team's full performance. "Rowing is the ultimate team sport and it’s so cool to see it play out on the national stage. For my first year, I am very grateful that I get to work with such a kind and hardworking group of athletes and coaches everyday. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow with this program!"

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Williams won the 2V eight to start the day, planting at least the seed of doubt that Tufts was going to have the finals all their own way.

The Williams 2V won their event

"The 2V couldn't have executed their race plan any better," said Williamc coach Paula Thoms. "They patiently sat behind Tufts until the 3rd 500m, when they made a big move that shifted the momentum and gave them the lead that they held to the finish line. They stayed confident, fearless, and raced for each other."

Wesleyan and Williams tied in the points standings behind Tufts, with Wesleyan coming out ahead on the strength of their second place finish in the Varsity, where Williams finished fourth.

Wesleyan finished second, for the second year in a row

"Every year is different," said Wesleyan coach Pat Tynan. "This year’s crews were different. That said, the goals are the same and the way we try to move the boat is basically the same. We try to keep practice fun and engaging and allow space for other things as well. We have had really solid team leadership and kids who want to follow that. We have welcoming, hard working, smart kids on the team."

Wesleyan had entered the competition seeded fourth, but Tynan said that the team kept their preparation normal. "The week after NIRC were final exams at Wesleyan so it forced us to come back down and recover a bit from the season. We then spent the next two weeks training very hard and then resting as much as possible. We just stuck with what was working for us, like our starts, and tried not to change much."

Tufts celebrates

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