Jun 1, 2010 10:30:25 AM

Williams claimed its fifth straight team title Saturday at the Division III Women's Rowing Championships at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma.

Williams almost finished 1-2 in the Eights Grand Final, but the Ephs' second boat ended up third.

Williams' first boat led start to finish, completing the 2,000 meters in 6:43.81. Bates overtook the Ephs' second boat and placed second in 6:48.66. Williams' second boat was third in 6:49.02 in the six-boat race, the first grand final of the championships. Trinity (Connecticut) (6:52.94) was fourth, followed by Ithaca (6:55.87) and Puget Sound (7:04.43).

With its first- and third-place finishes, Williams claimed the Division III national team title. The Ephs amassed 26 points, followed by Bates, Trinity, Ithaca, Wellesley, Puget Sound and St. Lawrence.

Williams, which earned its sixth national title overall, hasn't been defeated at the NCAAs since 2005. The Ephs won their first national title in 2002. [More]

Race results

Grand Final: 1. Williams, 6:43.81; 2. Bates, 6:48.66; 3. Williams II, 6:49.02; 4. Trinity (CT), 6:52.94; 5. Ithaca, 6:55.87; 6. Puget Sound, 7:04.43.

Petite Final: 1. Wellesley, 6:56.61; 2. St. Lawrence, 7:01.50; 3. William Smith, 7:03.98; 4. Bates II, 7:06.02; 5. Ithaca II, 7:10.06; 6. Trinity (CT) II, 7:13.41.

Third Final: 1. Wellesley II, 7:09.35; 2. St. Lawrence II, 7:10.49; 3. Puget Sound II, 7:14.67; Mary Washington, 7:17.57.