The Crimson finish first in its heat to advance to semifinal action.

WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The Harvard heavyweight crew varsity eight picked up a win in its heat Friday morning, advancing to the semifinals tomorrow on Mercer Lake.

The Crimson clocked a time of 5:40.204 to edge out Northeastern (5:42.555) by a half-length. Columbia finished third with at time of 5:50.230.

Harvard will face Yale, Princeton, BU and Cornell Saturday, May 31 at 11:30 a.m.

Also registering a great showing was the freshman eight, finishing second in its heat with a strong final push. The Crimson clocked a time of 5:45.021, just under three seconds behind Washington. Harvard will fight for a grand final finish tomorrow against Penn, Brown and Columbia.