MALDEN - The Tufts women's crew team rowed against three of the top five squads in the nation at Malden River on Saturday.
The Jumbos, seventh in the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association / USRowing coaches poll this week, hosted #1 and defending NCAA team champion Bates, #3 Wellesley and #5 Wesleyan.
In the varsity eight races, Bates topped Tufts in the heats by over 10 seconds with a 6:55.5 winning time to 7:12.5 for the Jumbos. Wesleyan edged Wellesley in the heats, but the Blue topped Tufts in the petite final 6:56.8 to 7:07.8.
The Jumbo second varsity eight saw similar results against Bates with the Bobcats earning a healthy win in the heats. The Jumbo time was 7:32.1. Wellesley beat Wesleyan in the other heat and then the Cardinals topped Tufts 7:20.5 to 7:24.6 in the petite final.
In third varsity eights, Bates swept Tufts as the Jumbos rowed an 8:05.01 time. Wellesley won the second heat and Wesleyan took the petite final over Tufts with the Jumbos posting an 8:18.5 finish.
In two novice four races, Tufts (9:45.1 and 9:32.9) lost to Wellesley and Wesleyan, respectively.
Bates won all three grand finals in the eights, with a 6:53 flat in first, 6:58.9 in second, and 7:40 flat in third.
Tufts will look for better results tomorrow when they host Amherst at Malden River. Racing begins at 9:45 am.
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