HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England - Washington men's rowing won all three of its races at the Henley Royal Regatta on Friday, July 3, as the varsity eight won its first round race in the Ladies' Plate against Princeton, the coxed four won its first round matchup in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup over Newcastle, and the coxless four completed the Friday sweep with a second-round win over Yale in the Visitors' Challenge Cup.

"It's all about advancing to the next day at Henley, " UW head coach Michael Callahan said. "Our guys are focused and have worked hard to get here. I'm really happy for our varsity eight, especially the seniors who have put so much into the program. They got a nice win today over a really good Princeton crew. Our fours have performed nicely, advancing in the Prince Albert and already having won two races in the Visitors' Cup."

Ladies' Challenge Plate (8+)

The Huskies were tested early by Princeton, as the Tigers, who finished third at the IRA National Championships, took a slim early lead in the first quarter mile. UW pulled even with Princeton at the half mile mark.

Washington surged ahead in the next half mile, leading by three-quarters of a length at the mile mark and extending that lead to a length for the final margin.

"That was the first racing piece we've done in a while. It's good to get one under our belt and move one to tomorrow, " senior stroke Alex Perkins said. "We knew they (Princeton) were going to be a strong crew. They always are and have been all year. All we can do is focus on ourselves and do our own thing. If we focus on our race plan and trust our work, we feel confident."

The Ladies' Plate is a race for the top international men's collegiate and club crews. The Huskies have won the Ladies' Plate twice - in 1981 and 2003.

Washington will advance to race in Saturday's semifinal against Melbourne University, who had a bye to get into the semifinal round.

Prince Albert Challenge Cup (4+)

The Huskies started quickly and held a length lead at the quarter-mile mark. The lead would extend to open water and the Huskies rowed to a win over Newcastle with a time of 7:14.

UW advances to face Edinburgh in the quarterfinals and will row in the semifinals, also on Saturday, should the Huskies win.