The California women’s rowing team began its 2026 season with a sweep at the California Challenge Cup in Newport Beach. The event, held Saturday morning along Marina Park, featured top boats from several Southern California programs. Cal entered two crews, “Cal Blue” and “Cal Gold,” which together won all four of their races in the first two rounds before facing each other in the final.
In round one, Cal Blue finished ahead of Long Beach State University’s 1V8+ crew with a time of 3:31.162, the fastest among all women’s races that day. Cal Gold also secured a win against UC Irvine’s 1V8+, clocking in at 4:03.888—the second-fastest time overall.
During the second round, Cal Blue narrowly defeated UC Santa Barbara’s 1V8+ by less than two seconds, finishing in 4:41.604. Meanwhile, Cal Gold beat Orange Coast College’s 1V8+ with a time of 4:35.263, marking the fastest result in that round.
The final round saw both Cal crews compete for the Steve Guentz Challenge Cup. Cal Gold pulled ahead to win against Cal Blue.
“We are grateful for the UC Irvine staff and all the volunteers that helped run the racing,” said Cal head coach Al Acosta. “We love having the opportunity to sow preseason racing down in Newport. Our Blue and Gold team got in six races and had an epic battle in the final. We’re looking forward to getting back to work on Monday and preparing for our last preseason race against Oregon State on Saturday at Redwood Shores.”
This marks the fourth consecutive year that California has swept all its races at this event.
The Bears will return to Berkeley to prepare for their next dual meet against Oregon State on March 7 at Redwood Shores.
Lineups for both teams were provided:
Cal Blue included coxswain Naomi Fandetti; rowers Rachel Furtaw, Kate Nixon, Louisa Molloy, Sidney Curven, Sadie Batista, Alice Gallo, Isabella (Bella) Laddy, and Maile Nelson.
Cal Gold was made up of coxswain Sofia Filice; rowers Ava Brooks, Eve Barrancotto, Frieda Cramer, Kylee Harrington, Amalia Campbell, Lily Bonnem, Hazel Campbell, and Campbell (Cami) Lovell.
