Competing at the San Diego Crew Classic on Mission Bay, the UNC varsity eight advanced to Sunday's grand final with a thrilling victory in the first California Cup heat on Saturday morning.

The Tar Heels started out strong and within 500 meters worked their way out to a boat-length lead on the field, with the University of San Diego right beside and Southern Methodist racing strong a couple of lanes over.

With about 500 meters to go in the race, however, one of the UNC rowers caught a boat-stopping crab (meaning that her oar got stuck in the water) and the Carolina boat came to a dead stop. San Diego and SMU quickly passed by and the Tar Heels found themselves a length down with their boat at a standstill.

They brought the boat up to speed within five strokes and started an amazing sprint down the homestretch. In 30 strokes, the UNC boat went from third place to a photo finish, winning the heat with a time of 6:49.20. San Diego was right behind at 6:49.45 and SMU came in third in 6:50.26.

250 meters to go. 200 meters to go. 125 meters to go.

50 meters to go. Tar Heels win in a photo finish.