Competing in 105-degree heat, Western Washington University swept both the varsity eight and varsity four races for the fourth straight year in winning the unofficial NCAA Division II West Regional held in conjunction with the Pacific Coast Rowing Championships on Saturday at Lake Natoma in Gold River, Calif.

It was the fifth consecutive regional triumph for the Vikings’ varsity eight, ranked No.1 nationally in the latest USRowing/Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association NCAA II Poll. They completed the 2,000-meter course in 6:53.1, over two boat lengths better than runner-up UC San Diego (7:04.1) with Seattle Pacific third (7:09.3) and Humboldt State fourth (7:09.5).

Western’s four won in 8:01.1, followed by UC San Diego (8:04.2), Seattle Pacific (8:11.5) and Humboldt State (8:25.6).

“The eight did what it needed to do,” said Western coach John Fuchs. “We figured that we needed to get out in front and let the crews behind race for a spot to nationals. We figured that they would be in a fight, so we just wanted to make sure that we were out of their way.

“The four rowed OK. They weren’t very happy with their race, but they did enough.”

Seated in the Vikings’ eight were coxswain Kristy Theodorson, stroke Staci Reynolds, No. 7 Metta Gilbert, No. 6 Meghan Woodman, No. 5 Gina Auriemma, No. 4 Samantha Marikis, No. 3 Amelia Whitcomb, No. 2 Audrey Coon and bow Madeleine Eckmann.