Worcester, MA (April 19, 2026) – The No. 3 Tufts University women’s rowing team shined brightly at the 2026 Bernie Brown Cup on a rainy day at Lake Quinsigamond. They didn’t just participate; they dominated, sweeping all events against WPI.
In the first event, the varsity crew secured a remarkable win by 26.6 seconds, finishing with a time of 6:56.79. The Jumbos’ boat was coxed by Hannah Jiang and included skilled rowers like Rose Tinkjian and Emma Lyle.
Minutes later, the second varsity boat continued the streak, winning with an impressive time of 7:06.7—34 seconds ahead of WPI, which finished at 7:40.6. Maddie Rosato took the helm as coxswain, leading her team to victory.
In the W3V8+ race, Tufts showcased their strength with three boats finishing in the top three spots. The third varsity boat crossed the finish line at 7:18.5, clearly outpacing the fourth varsity at 7:26.9. In fact, their time was five seconds better than WPI’s top boat.
Notably, the Tufts fifth varsity finished third in the day’s final race, clocking in at 7:42.0, a solid 36.3 seconds faster than WPI’s third varsity.
This impressive performance comes as the team gears up for the New England Rowing Championships on May 2, where they aim to build on their successful momentum.
Rowing is not just about physical strength; it’s about teamwork and strategy. Experts say that a cohesive team can save seconds in races and improve overall performance. In competitive sports like rowing, every second counts, making synchronization crucial.
As the sport continues to grow, recent statistics show that college women’s rowing has seen a 15% rise in participation over the last five years. This indicates a vibrant future for collegiate rowing and showcases the dedication of athletes at institutions like Tufts.
The Jumbos’ success at the Bernie Brown Cup not only highlights their talent but also stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young athletes. The buzz on social media reflects excitement about their journey. Fans have taken to platforms like Twitter to celebrate Tufts’ impressive showing and express anticipation for upcoming events.
With the Jumbos ready for their next challenge, it’s clear they are a force to be reckoned with in collegiate rowing.
For detailed statistics on collegiate rowing participation and trends, check out this report from the NCAA.

