July 1, 2000

HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England-- - The University of Virginia's first varsity eight lost to the University of Washington on Saturday (July 1) in the quarterfinals of The Henley Prize competition at the Henley Royal Regatta. The loss eliminated Virginia from the competition.

The Henley Prize is a new event for women's eights at the Henley Royal Regatta. The Henley Royal Regatta was established in 1839 and this is the 151st running of the competition.

UVa's first varsity eight qualified for The Henley Prize competition by winning its qualifying race on June 23. The Virginia rowers, who left for England on June 19, also won competitions in the four and eight at the Readingtown Regatta on June 24 and the Wallingford Regatta on June 25.

"It's been a great trip," said UVa head coach Kevin Sauer. "We've learned a lot."

Washington finished second and Virginia finished third behind Brown in the grand final of the first varsity eight at this year's NCAA Championships.