March 2, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB synchronized swimming team won the Southern Regionals hosted Saturday-Sunday in Gainesville, Fla. The Blazers posted an overall score of 101 and took first place in three out of four events. The win qualifies UAB to compete in the U.S. Collegiate Synchronized Swimming Championships for the fourth consecutive season. The Blazers will swim for a national title March 20-23 in Tucson, Ariz.

Bogdana Zareva took first in the solo event for the Blazers, scoring a 91.333. She also teamed with Amanda Haeuser for a first place finish in the duet event, with a score of 91.834. Stephanie and Stacey Jackson placed second in the duet event for UAB, posting a score of 89.500.

The UAB team of Zareva, Haeuser, Stacey Jackson, Stephanie Jackson, Luna Aguilu, Kelli Dickerson, Stacy Leiker and Kara Morgan grabbed the top spot in the team routine, with a score of 93.000. The Blazer team of Hannah Freer, Kristen Kramer, Megan Kelly, Sarah Pikal and Moraine Ruddick placed second, posting a score of 87.083.

Leiker, Stephanie Jackson and Stacey Jackson finished second in the trio event, with a score of 87.000.

"This was really a good meet for our team," said UAB head coach Lisa Riddell. "I thought the team did an excellent job at the event. I am very happy with taking the top two spots in the team routines. Winning the high-point trophy was great. The team has come a long way."

The University of Incarnate Word placed second at the meet with an overall score of 76, the College of William & Mary took third (68.5), the University of Florida was fourth (68), Richmond was fifth (59.5), Mary Washington College took sixth (48.5), Florida State was seventh (46), Georgia placed eighth (24.5) and Converse College took ninth (17.5).