WEST WINDSOR, N.J. -- The Princeton women’s lightweight Varity Eight was crowned National Champions at the 2021 IRA National Championship at Lake Mercer.
 
For the first time since 2003, the Tigers won the varsity eight national championship, cruising to a dominating 26.3-second victory over Wisconsin.
 
The V8 boat jumped out to an early lead and kept building its advantage until the race was never in doubt.
 
Princeton’s V8 jumped out to an early lead and kept building its advantage until the race was never in doubt. The Tigers crossed the line 7:42.729 to secure its sixth National Championship for the women's lightweight program.
 
The last five finishes for the Princeton women's lightweight rowing varsity eight have included three straight medals and now with the IRA title, this is Princeton Athletics' boasts 207th national championship.
 
"It's a bit bittersweet," said head coach Paul Rassam. "I say that because we had the speed to win last year and obviously the people from that boat didn't get that chance. When I think of this group my heart nearly bursts with pride. They are cut from granite. They are one of the best boats I've ever seen. They are champions in every way and words don't do them justice."