March 9, 2010

Meet Central

STANFORD, Calif. - The Stanford synchronized swimming team is hosting the 2010 U.S. Collegiate Nationals this week at the Avery Aquatic Center. The Cardinal will compete Thur.-Sat., March 11-13 as it looks to win its fifth national title in six years and its seventh overall.

More than 175 of the top athletes from the collegiate scene will vie for titles in the solo, duet, trio and team events. The Championships are an open-class meet, combining competition from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III and NAIA colleges and universities.

The 2010 Cardinal squad completed an undefeated regular season and captured the West Regional title. The young team appears poised to make another run at the collegiate title.

Stanford will enter competitors in the solo, duet, trio and team events. Freshman Jessica Guenther will represent the Cardinal in the solo competition, while senior Gayle Lee will swim and honorary solo.

Sophomores Maria Koroleva and Olivia Morgan, both national team members, will team up for the duet competition. The pair won the West Regional title in February. Seniors Debbie Chen and Taylor Durand will also compete for the Cardinal as a duet.

Stanford will enter two teams in the trio competition. Koroleva, Morgan and Durand will make up one team, while junior Michelle Moore, sophomore Morgan Fuller and freshman Madison Croker will make up the other squad.

Tickets will be sold at the gate. An adult all-session pass will be $25 while student all-session passes will be $15. Tickets for Thursday and Friday will be $8 for adults and $5 for students, youth and senior citizens. Tickets for Saturday will be $12 for adults and $8 for students, youth and senior citizens.

After the Collegiate Nationals the Cardinal will prepare for the U.S. Nationals. The event will be held April 14-17 in Huntersville, N.C.