STANFORD, Calif. – It was another strong season for synchronized swimming, as Stanford finished a close second to Ohio State in U.S. Collegiate Championships for the second consecutive year.
Hosted by the University of Arizona at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, the Cardinal produced its best performance of 2018.
The Buckeyes amassed 96.0 points to successfully defend their title. Stanford finished second with 90.0, followed by Lindenwood with 72.0.
"Our team did all it could," said head coach Sara Lowe. "I couldn't be prouder."
Senior Clare McGovern won two national titles, claiming the solo free (83.4000), and teamed with senior Erica Slavin and freshman Caitlin Klauer to capture the trio free routine (83.4333). The solo win was especially satisfying for McGovern, who placed second each of the last two years.
It marked the third consecutive national trio title for McGovern and Slavin, who teamed up 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).
McGovern and Slavin led a contingent of five Stanford student-athletes who were named All-Americans following their performances at the U.S Collegiate Championships. Also selected were Hyon, Klauer and Luu.
It marked the third consecutive year McGovern and Slavin have been picked, and the second for Hyon.
Stanford celebrated Senior Day by honoring McGovern, Ortellado and Slavin in front of large and appreciative crowd at Belardi Pool.
The trio helped the Cardinal sweep four routines against the University of Incarnate Word in a 91-77 victory.
McGovern won solo (82.0667), Ortellado and Slavin captured duet (81.4000), and the threesome combined to capture trio (81.9000). They also teamed with Fletcher, Hyon and Klauer, Joanna Langner and Luu to claim the team free (82.9000).
Slavin sparkled outside the pool, as well. She was among three seniors in the School of Engineering selected to receive the Terman Award for academic achievement. Dr. Terman was a distinguished Dean of Stanford's School of Engineering, Provost of the University, and a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Electrical Engineering.
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Western Canada, Slavin maintained a 4.026 GPA in architectural design.
