April 15, 2010
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. - The Stanford synchronized swimming team made a strong statement, Thursday, claiming first in the team and duet preliminary competitions on the first day of the 2010 U.S. Nationals in Huntersville, N.C.
The day began with the solo preliminary free competition. Stanford freshman Jessica Guenther tied for sixth with the University of Incarnate Word's Rosilyn Tegart with 87.750 points. Senior Gayle Lee swam to a 10th-place showing, earning 86.125 points.
Stanford seniors Debbie Chen and Taylor Durand turned in a powerful duet routine, capturing first place with a score of 89.500 for the Cardinal.
The first day concluded with the team preliminary competition in which the Cardinal also finished first. The team of Alex Bollaidlaw, Chen, Madison Crocker, Durand, Guenther, Lee, Corinne Smith and Koko Urata scored a 92.000, edging the University of the Incarnate Word's team which took second with 91.500 points. The team from the Walnut Creek Aquanuts were third with a score of 89.875.
The 2010 U.S. Nationals continues, Friday, Apr. 16 in Huntersville, N.C. The technical competitions will begin starting at 10:25 a.m. ET.