March 22, 2003

TUCSON, Ariz. - For the second consecutive year, the UAB synchronized swimming team grabbed a third-place finish at the U.S. Collegiate Championships held at the University Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Arizona.

All of the Blazers' routines qualified for the U.S. National Championships held April 24-27 in Long Island, N.Y. The U.S. Nationals represent the top synchronized swimming programs from all levels of competition. UAB will be making its fourth appearance at the event.

Luna Aguilu, Kelli Dickerson, Amanda Haeuser, Stephanie Jackson, Stacey Jackson, Stacy Leiker, Kara Morgan and Bogdana Zareva took third in the nation in the team routine, scoring a 94.833. The Blazer squad of Hannah Freer, Kristen Kramer, Megan Kelly, Sarah Pikal and Moraine Ruddick placed seventh, with a score of 87.583

Zareva finished third in the country in the solo event, posting a score of 90.833. She also teamed with Haeuser for a fourth place finish in the duet event, as the duo scored a 90.833. Stephanie Jackson and Stacey Jackson placed seventh in the category for the Blazers, with a score of 87.333.

The trio event saw Stephanie Jackson, Stacey Jackson and Leiker finish eighth, posting a score of 87.333.

"I am really happy with our finish," said UAB head coach Lisa Riddell. "I am so proud of the team. They did a great job. We are really excited about qualifying for the U.S. Nationals. We will come home and begin training for the event."

Ohio State won its 23rd national championship and Stanford University finished second.

More than 150 of the world's top athletes from 24 universities were competing for bragging rights in the solo, duet, trio and team events. The championships were an open-class meet, combining competition for NCAA Divisions I, II and III, plus NAIA schools.