Aug. 10, 2005

Rancho Cordova, Calif. - a href="http://www.jamcotimes.com/2005/ncaaw/index.htm">click here for live stats

Western Washington (Bellingham, Wash.) captured its first national title Sunday, May 29, easily placing first in both the varsity four and varsity eight grand finals. Western Washington finished as the runner-ups in both 2002 and 2003, before winning the crown Sunday. The Vikings (20 points) finished ahead of Mercyhurst (12 points), Nova Southeastern (11 points) and Florida Tech (seven points). Since Div. II began running a separate championship in 2002, Western Washington's eight-point margin of victory was the largest over that four-year span. This year's runner-up, Mercyhurst won the national title last season by one point over Humboldt State.

Western Washington crossed the finish line in the Fours with a time of 7:46.82. The Lakers were second (8:07.78) while Florida Tech (Melbourne, Fla.) was third (8:09.34).

WWU completed the daily double by winning the Eights in a time of 6:48.72. Nova Southeastern (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) was next with a time of 6:55.91. The Lakers were third (6:59.92) and Barry University (Miami Shores, Fla.) was fourth in a time of 7:01.35.