Loreto was undefeated throughout all its lead-up regattas and proved on Sunday that its hot favoritism was warranted.

The crew had no trouble handling the pressure, comfortably winning the 2000m race by two-and-a-half lengths to Damascus College.

It was Loreto College’s first Head of the Lake victory in its 10-year history and it capped the outstanding day by winning the girls premiership.

Rowing director Nathan Sims said pre-race that the girls determination and training culture was as good as he had seen and the crew reaped the rewards for their hard work with a resounding win at Lake Wendouree.

“The culture’s been great and our captains (Grace Hoffman) led that all the way, she’s been a real driving force behind our training culture and leading the way with how they perform in training,” Sims said.

Sims said the crew put the favourite tag aside and concentrated purely on its rowing. He felt if the girls rowed to their potential it would be right in the mix come the finish line.

“We put the favourite tag aside and focused on our game plan. The girls weren’t worried about the competition, they were worried about racing the clock and producing a quality time. 

“We knew if we produced a quality time then we’d cross the line up the pointy end.”

Sims was stoked to also bring home the girls’ premiership – awarded to the most successful school across all races.

He said it reinforced the strength of Loreto’s rowing program and would ensure strong performances in the coming years.

“It’s a big effort to win the premiership any year, so to win it and to win the Head of the Lake as well has been a huge effort. It shows we’ve got great depth right through our program and that we’re on the right track.”

Loreto College girls’ firsts captain Grace Hoffmann said it was an unbelievable experience to be a part of Loreto’s maiden Head of the Lake triumph.

She said the nerves did not hit her and the crew until the final minutes leading into the race – but they had no effect.

“It’s a dream come true. It hasn’t really hit us yet – it’s unbelievable,” Hoffman said.

“We had a good lead-up season, but it was anyone’s race on the day and the fact that we were able to win it was sensational.

“It wasn’t until we got to the start that they (nerves) really kicked in.”

Hoffman said she could not have asked for a better crew to enjoy the success with.

“We jelled really well, I couldn’t ask for a better crew to do this with.”

Loreto College will now prepare for the Rowing Victoria State Championship Regatta next week.