March 2, 2002

RICHMOND, Va. - The UAB women's synchronized swimming team placed first in every event and scored 113 points to win the South Collegiate Regionals in Richmond, Va. Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Blazers advance to the Collegiate Nationals on March 21-23 in Norton, Mass.

In figure A, the Blazers captured wins at the top three spots. Bogdana Zareva finished on top, followed by Amanda Haeuser and Jessica Brown . In figure B, UAB's Moraine Ruddick placed first, with Sarah Pikal right behind in second.

In the solo competition, Zareva captured first place, while the duo of Zareva and Haeuser took first in the duet competition.

The trio of Luna Aguilu , Jennifer Holmquist and Stacy Leiker notched a win for the Blazers in the trio competition.

In the team competition, the UAB team of Brown, Dickerson, Holmquist, Haeuser, Stacey Jackson , Stephanie Jackson , Leiker, and Zareva placed first, followed by the UAB team of Aguilu, Hannah Freer, Kristen Kramer , Erica Levine , Kara Morgan , and Pikal.

"The girls had a great swim today," said Head Coach Amy O'Donell . "Now we can focus on getting ready for the Collegiate Nationals coming up."

The Blazers will compete again next weekend in Coral Springs Fla. in the U.S. South Zones.