Feb. 19, 2006

Stanford Synchronized Swimming traveled to Boston this weekend to compete in the Wheaton College Invitational, where they faced off against Boston University, MIT, Smith College, and the host, Wheaton College. Despite illness which left the Cardinal squad one member short in the duet and team events, Stanford swam to victory with 88 total points over Wheaton's 86 points and Boston University's 74 points.

Stanford stood out in the trio event with a close gold and silver medal finish. The routine featuring Samantha Bongiovanni-Duclos, Elizabeth-Anne Markman, and Courtenay Stewart claimed gold with a score of 84.8. Stanford's Poppy Carlig, Melissa Knight, and freshman Erin Bell followed close behind at 84.3.

A winning performance in the duet event by 2004 Olympians Sara Lowe and Courtenay Stewart showcased their energy and superior technical skill. Lowe and Stewart claimed gold with a score of 86.5. Lowe topped off the individual events by swimming to gold in the solo event with a score of 88.8.

The competition concluded with the team event where again the Cardinal triumphed. With a strong performance, Stanford's lineup of Bell, Carlig, Knight, Lowe, Markman, Stewart, Hilary Homenko, and alternates Katie Norris and Bongiovanni-Duclos captured the gold with a score of 88.4.

Stanford Synchro looks to build on their undefeated season when they travel to the University of Arizona next weekend to compete in the Western Regionals qualifying meet for Collegiate Nationals. The Cardinal squad will defend their collegiate title in front of home fans this year - the 2006 Collegiate Nationals meet will be held at Stanford, March 23rd-25th.

Results
Elements (Top 8):
1. Stanford - Courtenay Stewart
2. Stanford - Sara Lowe
3. Stanford - Samantha Bongiovanni-Duclos
4. Stanford - Elizabeth-Anne Markman
5. Stanford - Poppy Carlig
6. Stanford - Erin Bell
7. Stanford - Melissa Knight
8. Stanford - Hilary Homenko
Trio:
1. Stanford - Bongiovanni-Dulcos, Stewart, Markman (84.8)
2. Stanford - Carlig, Knight, Bell (84.3)
3. Wheaton - (74.0)
4. Boston U. - (62.5)
5. Boston U. - (58.1)
6. MIT - (49.3)
Duet:
1. Stanford - Stewart, Lowe (86.5)
2. Wheaton - (75.6)
3. Wheaton - (72.5)
3. Wheaton - (72.5)
4. Boston U. - (60.8)
5. MIT - (54.5)
6. MIT - (45.5)
Solo:
1. Stanford - Lowe (88.8)
2. Wheaton - (76.3)
3. Boston U. - (72.8)
4. Boston U. - (72.0)
5. MIT - (52.5)
6. MIT - (50.3)
Team:
1. Stanford - (88.4)
2. Wheaton - (76.4)
3. Boston U. - (66.7)
4. Wheaton - (66.5)
5. MIT - (50.9)
Final Overall Rankings:
1. Stanford - 89 points
2. Wheaton College - 86 points
3. Boston University - 74 points
4. MIT - 58.5 points
5. Smith College - 10.5 points