STANFORD, Calif. – Utilizing depth, talent, teamwork and a strong work ethic, Stanford captured the 2016 U.S. National Collegiate Synchronized Swimming Championships in Gainesville, Florida for the eighth time in school history.
The Cardinal tallied 98.0 points to beat defending champion Ohio State (92.0) and the University of Incarnate Word (75.0).
Stanford previously won in 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013. It also marked the 130th national championship for Stanford Athletics.
“The girls did a great job,” said head coach Sara Lowe. “They came out with a lot of fight.”
Making the most of 12 underclassmen, Lowe competed with two teams and both shined in Florida. Led by sophomores Clare McGovern, Sandra Ortellado and Erica Slavin, the Cardinal placed first in trio free routine with a score of 83.2667. The second group of Marisa Tashima, Amanda Urke, Evelyna Wang and Isabella Park finished second at 82.1667.
Ortellado and Slavin combined to win the duet with 82.9667 points, while McGovern took second in solo with 81.3333.
Stanford clinched the crown by finishing first and fourth in the team routine. Rachel Hyon, McGovern, Ortellado, Park, Slavin, Tashima, Urke and Wang finish first with a score of 84.3667. Elle Billman, Gillian Brassil, Madeleine Duboc, Dylan Harding, Rina Horii, Joanna Langner and Shiree Lee earned fourth with a total of 80.6500.
Lowe, a four-time All-American who led Stanford to four national titles, previously coached the team to the 2013 crown.
“Our depth was huge,” she said. “Everybody did their part.”
Lowe praised the leadership of Wang, the team captain and only senior.
“Evelyna brought a positive attitude to the pool every day and helped make others better,” Lowe said of the Los Altos, California product.
McGovern, Ortellado, Slavin, Tashima, Urke and Wang were named All-Americans.
Lowe was named USA Synchro Coach of the Year for the second time (2013). Assistant coach Megan Azebu received the College Contributor Award.
With only Wang departing, the future looks bright.