ORO VALLEY, Az. – Producing its best performance of the season, the Stanford synchronized swimming team finished a close second to Ohio State on Saturday in the U.S. Collegiate Championships hosted by the University of Arizona at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center.
The Buckeyes amassed 96.0 points to successfully defend their title. The Cardinal finished second with 90.0, while Lindenwood claimed third with 72.0.
"Our team did all it could," said Stanford head coach Sara Lowe. "I couldn't be prouder."
Stanford started strong, as seniors Clare McGovern and Erica Slavin teamed with freshman Caitlin Klauer to claim the trio free routine with a score of 83.4333. It marked the third consecutive national trio title for McGovern and Slavin, who teamed with Sandra Ortellado in 2016 and 2017.
Ortellado, a senior captain, was unable to compete due to injury.
Ohio State won the duet with a score of 83.7667. The Cardinal placed second and third, as Slavin and Klauer totaled 83.5000, followed by Rachel Hyon and Jacklyn Luu with 82.9000.
After finishing second the last two years, McGovern came up big to win the solo free with a score of 83.4000.
As expected, the championship came down to the team free competition. Competing last, the Stanford A team posted an impressive score of 84.8000 to finish second, but Ohio State captured first (84.8667) and third (81.6667).
