March 8, 2009
Stanford, Calif. - Stanford synchronized swimming captured the West Regional title on Saturday morning from the Avery Aquatic Center. Stanford finished with a score of 98 points to defeat Arizona who finished with 75.5.
"This weekend was a success," said Assistant Coach Alison Bartosik. "The team is in great shape for the next coming weeks leading into Collegiate Nationals."
Stanford began the morning by winning both the `A' Elements and the `B' Figures. Debbie Chen captured the top spot in Elements with a score of 80.396. Erin Bell finished second with a score of 80.132.
In figures, Maria Koroleva won with a score of 77.170, while Koko Urata finished second with a score of 77.049.
In the trio Competition, Stanford took the top two spots. The team of Taylor Durand, Maria Koroleva and Olivia Morgan won with a score of 92.250. They were followed by the team of Bell, Chen and Michelle Moore with 91.000.
The Cardinal also took the top two spots in the duet competition. Koroleva and Morgan were the regional champions with a score of 93.000. In second place were Chen and Durand with a score of 90.750.
In the team competition Stanford defeated the team from Arizona with a score of 94.000 to 82.250. The Stanford team was made up of Bell, Alex Bollaidlaw, Chen, Durand, Koroleva, Moore, Morgan and Corinne Smith.
Stanford Sychro was also pleased to announce the birth on head coach Heather Olson's first child. Kemmerick Patrick Olson was born Saturday morning. Bartosik was happy to add that both mother and baby are healthy and doing well.
The Cardinal will next compete at National Collegiate Championships, which will take place March 25-28, from San Antonio, Texas. The Cardinal have won four consecutive national titles and will be looking to make it five in a row.