Feb. 28, 2005

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The UAB synchronized swimming team recorded a second-place finish out of eight teams last weekend at the South Collegiate Championships held at the University of Incarnate Word's Barshop Natatorium. The Blazers finished just one point behind Incarnate Word who captured its first championship with 93.0 overall points. UAB came into the meet as the two-time defending champion.

"We felt like our girls swam very well despite the overall outcome," said UAB head coach Lisa Riddell. "We're definitely looking forward to Collegiate Nationals coming up in a few weeks though."

The Blazers took first place in the team competition with a score of 89.667 and had both of their duet teams finish in a tie for first. The pairings of Sara Petrov/Morgan Clarke and Stephanie Jackson/Stacey Jackson each scored 88.000 points.

Petrov was also impressive in her individual performances during the weekend, placing second with a score of 89.000 in the solo competition and second in the A figures with a 77.831 mark.

Rounding out the field of eight in San Antonio was the University of Florida in third place, Richmond, William & Mary, Florida State, Mary Washington and Georgia.

The Blazers return to action on March 12 when they travel to Buffalo, NY to take on Canisius. Former UAB synchronized swimming star Stacy Leiker was named head coach at Canisius after completing her career as a Blazer.