The Washington women’s rowing team retained the Simpson Cup after defeating California in the 49th edition of The Dual on April 11. The Huskies, ranked No. 5, won six out of seven races against the No. 10-ranked Bears at Redwood Shores, including a close victory in the varsity eight race that determined the cup winner.
The annual competition between Washington and California is significant for both programs, reflecting a longstanding rivalry and tradition in collegiate women’s rowing.
In Saturday’s main event, Washington finished the varsity eight race with a time of 6:43.0, just ahead of California’s time of 6:45.7. The Huskies also claimed victories in the first, second, and fourth varsity eights as well as all three fours races. California secured its only win in the third varsity eight against a novice Washington crew comprised entirely of freshmen.
Head coach Yasmin Farooq said, “There’s so much history with these two programs. I’m so grateful for this event in its 49th year. Lining up side-by-side with a team we deeply respect makes The Dual even more special, and we know we’re better for racing Cal every year.” Farooq also remarked on the presence of Linda Fornaciari and Storrie Johnson at the event: “Having Linda Fornaciari — who raced in the very first Cal Dual — here today, and having Cal alum Storrie Johnson present the Simpson Cup and share its history, was a powerful reminder of what this tradition means to generations of women on both sides… The history is incredible, and the pride runs deep.”
Washington has now won the Simpson Cup for the fifth time in six years and for a total of 28 times since its inception by Hunter and Dottie Simpson.
Looking ahead to next year’s milestone anniversary match-up between these teams—recognized as one of college rowing’s longest-running duals—Farooq said: “Every lineup came away with meaningful information today… Racing Cal always sharpens us… We’re already looking ahead to celebrating the 50th anniversary next year of the oldest continuously run dual in women’s rowing.”
