Feb. 1, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB synchronized swimming team won the UAB Tri-Meet, defeating defending national champion Ohio State and the University of Georgia. The Blazers posted an overall score of 85, Ohio State scored a 77 and Georgia came in third with an overall score of 23. The victory was UAB's first over the Buckeyes.

"Ohio State is a strong team and we are really excited to get a victory today," said UAB head coach Lisa Riddell. "Our team still needs a lot of work, but the good thing is, they are all motivated now to really work hard and improve. All of the routines looked strong and had good swims."

UAB took first place in the duet, trio and solo events and placed second in the team routine.

Senior Bogdana Zareva of UAB took the top spot in the solo event, scoring an 89.667. She also teamed with junior Amanda Haeuser to win the duet event with a score of 88.500.

The trio event saw junior Stacy Leiker and sophomores Stacey Jackson and Stephanie Jackson take first place with a score of 86.000.

Ohio State grabbed the top spot in the team routine, with Jessica Beck, Stacey Coffman, Sharon Mejia, Katie Meyer, Megan Mikulecky, Brianne Pineiro, Erin Schmidt and Isla Turner scoring an 89.833. The UAB team of seniors Luna Aguilu, Kelli Dickerson, Leiker and Zareva, along with Haeuser, Stacey Jackson, Stephanie Jackson and junior Kara Morgan placed second with a score of 87.000.

UAB next travels to Stanford, Calif. to face Stanford University Feb. 8.