West Coast Battles “Home court” Advantage
12-13’s move into finals; National Team I set to swim

Buffalo, NY – The world’s largest Synchronized Swimming competition kicked off today at the Flickinger Aquatic Center in Buffalo, New York, with the 12-13 age group routines. The 2005 esynchro Age Group Championships boasts more than 1,000 athletes from ages 12-19.

West Coast teams started off strong in 12-13 solo prelims, with the Santa Clara Aquamaids taking two of the top eight places (2 nd and 5 th). The Riverside Aquettes’, Lauren Nicholson, took first place while the Walnut Creek Aquanuts’, Alena Faulkner, came in third. Competing in their home state, the New York Arianas (Troy), took eighth place.

In the 12-13 duet semifinals, Santa Clara took first place, while Walnut Creek led the way, holding two of the top eight spots (2 nd and 4 th). Scottsdale Synchro also started off strong, holding two places in the top eight—fifth and eighth. Walnut Creek leads the team semifinals taking first, leaving Santa Clara and Riverside second and third. Local club, Tonowanda Aquettes, rounded out the day, placing eighth.

During 12-13 finals, Monday, June 27 th, Synchronized Swimming's World Championship Team will perform a special exhibition before traveling to Montreal to compete at the XI FINA World Championships. The finals run from 3:30-8:30p.m. Admission for the public is $6.00.

Competition continues at the Flickinger Aquatic Center Sunday at 7:00a.m. Spectator tickets will be required for finals sessions. 12-13 Finals Tickets are $6.00 per person. 14-15 Finals Tickets are $6.00 per person. 18-19 Finals Tickets are $6.00 per person. Checks may be made payable to Swimkins, Inc.

12-13 Solo Prelims
1. Lauren Nicholson, Riverside Aquettes, 72.250; 2. Khadija Zanotto; Santa Clara Aquamaids, 72.000; 3. Alena Faulkner, Walnut Creek Aquanuts, 70.000; 4. Camile Driver, Pirouettes of Texas, 69.750 34.875; 5. Margo Sargent, Santa Clara Aquamaids, 69.500; 6. Lily Yin, Cerritos Synchronettes, 68.250; 7. Kaitlin Sanford, Cypress Swim Club, 68.000 34.000; 8. Qiuyan Tang, New York Arianas, 67.500.

12-13 Duet Prelims
1. Margo Sargent, Khadija Zanotto, Santa Clara Aquamaids; 72.167; 2. Courtney Nicholson, Shelby Nickel, Riverside Aquettes; 69.500T; 2. Alena Faulkner, Jane Homma, Walnut Creek Aquanuts, 69.500T; 4. Alicia Damele, Gina Griego, Walnut Creek Aquanuts, 68.667; 5. Jane Kok, Lily Yin, Cerritos Synchronettes; 66.333T; 5. Jamie Flanery, Julie Tieni, Scottsdale Synchro; 66.333T; 7. Vivian Dai, Marina Hoffman, New Canaan Y Aquianas, 66.167; 8. Laura Christy, Jackie Stockwell, Scottsdale Synchro, 66.000.

12-13 Team Prelims
1. Walnut Creek Aquanuts, 74.000; 2. Santa Clara Aquamaids, 70.833; 2. Riverside Aquettes, 70.833; 4. San Diego Coastal Synchro, 68.500; 5. Suncoast Waterworks, 68.333; 6. Scottsdale Synchro, 68.083; 7. Arizona Desert Gems, 67.833; 8. Tonawanda Aquettes, 67.667