HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England (June 20) ­ Unable to overcome Princeton's fast start, Seattle Pacific University was eliminated in the semifinal round of the Henley Women's Regatta women's collegiate four category Sunday morning on the Thames.

The much bigger Tigers got off the line to gain a two-seat advantage early, and although the Falcons fought back they still finished three seats back in the 1500-meter match race. Princeton was timed in 5:41.

It was only the second loss in 13 races for SPU, which had won nine straight, including conference, regional (Div. I) and national titles for the second year in a row. Wins over England's Trafford and Royal Chester Saturday had put the Falcons in the semifinals.

Stanford, which overwhelmed Scotland's Aberdeen in the other semifinal, prevailed over Princeton by nearly three boat-lengths in the afternoon's grand final of the Frank Harry Cup.

"Our ladies made a heroic comeback in the last 400 meters or so," said Keith Jefferson, Seattle Pacific coach, who followed the crews on a bicycle from a nearby path. "They were mournful, both because of the loss and because they won't be back together again as a crew. Still it was a great row, a respectable finish and I'm quite proud of them."

The varsity four lineup was stroke Sarah Zorn (Jr., Mercer Island, Wa./Lahser), Heidi Visser (Jr., Wenatchee, Wa.), Andi Martineau (Jr., Superior, Mt.) and Carly Bollen (So., Missoula, Mt./Valley Christian). Joanna Hodgkiss (Sr., Tacoma, Wa./Puyallup) was coxswain. Zorn and Bollen are the only certain returnees.

Jefferson noted the enthusiastic riverside cheering from the crew's families and many other supporters who had made the trip coordinated by the university's Society of Fellows.

"Their support was fabulous and it's been a great, great experience," he said of the rowing program's first overseas venture.