BOSTON – In Stanford's first women's lightweight rowing race of the season, the Cardinal dominated the Lightweight Fours at the Head of the Charles Regatta on Saturday.
Stanford led wire to wire, crossing the finish line in 18:42.795 – 16 seconds over runner-up Wisconsin – to win the City of Cambridge Trophy for the first time. The trophy, for the women's lightweight fours winner, has been awarded since 1978.
The Cardinal team was comprised of graduate student Emily Molins at stroke, sophomore Brooke Ruszkiewicz in the No. 3 seat, sophomore Juliette Lermusiaux at No. 2, and sophomore Hannah Justicz in the bow. The boat was coxed by senior Lydia Garnett.
At the first checkpoint, at Riverside, Stanford led by more than five seconds. The lead grew to 10 seconds by the second, and 13 seconds by the third.
The race marked the debut of associate head coach Lizzy Houston. The Fours was the only Stanford entrant at the regatta.
This was the first victory for Stanford's women's lights at the Head of the Charles since winning the eights in 2017 and 2018.
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Head of the Charles
Women's Lightweight Fours
Leaders -- 1, Stanford 18:42.795; 2, Wisconsin 18:59.518; 3, Princeton 19:09.303; 4, British Columbia 19:10.651; 5, Radcliffe 19:20.348.
Stanford's lineup:
Coxswain: Lydia Garnett
Stroke: Emily Molins
3: Brooke Ruszkiewicz
2: Juliette Lermusiaux
Bow: Hannah Justicz
