The 2008 USA Synchronized Swimming National Championships (1-3 May 2008) made a splash today at the University of Arizona Rec Center Pool with competition in the preliminary free events. Stanford’s Sara Lowe led the way in the solo event with a score of 94.833. Santa Clara’s Kenyon Smith followed with a 93.667.

In the today’s duet action, Lowe teamed up with teammate Courtenay Stewart for a top finish with a score of 95.500. Santa Clara’s Bianca and Sonja Van Der Velden finished in the second place position with a 93.833.

In the team event, the Ohio State University (95.333) took the top spot while Stanford University (95.167) and the Santa Clara Aquamaids (95.167) tied for the second place position.

Today’s free routine scores will be combined with Friday’s technical routine scores to determine the qualifiers who will advance to finals. Finals competition will take place on Saturday with eight routines per event.

Tucson is no stranger to U.S. Synchronized Swimming as it recently hosted the 2007 U.S. Masters Championships. The city also played host to the 2003 U.S. Collegiate National Championships as well as the 2001 U.S. Masters Championships.

More than 150 elite athletes will vie for national titles in the solo, duet and team events in the nation's most prestigious competition. The 2008 U.S. National Championships mark the 63rd year of national competition in the duet and team events and the 59th year of solo competition. Synchronized swimming requires a combination of strength, precision, grace and teamwork, and is considered a culmination of swimming, gymnastics and dance.