SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - ´´Too close for comfort´´ headlines the first day of the team competition as the United States and Canada stand 0.167 points (0.084 at 50%) apart going into the free swim on Friday.

Once again, the order of draw was not in the United States´ favor as they swam second, just ahead of the Canadians. But, the U.S. Team swam well posting a 96.500, while Canada scored a 96.333. Brazil sits in third at 90.833.

´´It felt really together and strong,´´ said Erin Dobratz (Clayton, Calif.). Dobratz lost her headpiece entering the water, but that didn´t bother her swim. ´´I usually put my own headpiece in and it has never come off before, but I missed a pin because I was in a hurry. Chris (head coach Chris Carver) thought it looked loose and added a couple of pins, but it still came off,´´ she continued. ´´I was distracted a little bit, but that sometimes helps me swim my best and I did.´´

Kendra Zanotto (Los Gatos, Calif.) was pleased with the swim as well. ´´It felt great. We had a lot of energy walking out there,´´ she said. ´´It was great to do a Latin-inspired routine in a Latin American country. The crowd really cheered for us, which was inspiring. It was great to have them behind us.´´

Zanotto¨s parents were a part of that crowd along with other team members´ parents. ´´My mom has been to every single meet since I was seven. My dad comes when he can,´´ continued Zanotto. ´´They were both able to be here for this, which is great.´´

Swimming for the U.S. Team was Alison Bartosik (Santa Clara, Calif.), Dobratz, Becky Jasontek (Loveland, Ohio), Anna Kozlova (St. Petersburg, Russia), Sara Lowe (Desoto, Texas), Lauren McFall (Los Altos, Calif.), Stephanie Nesbitt (Riverside, Calif.) and Zanotto. Katie Norris (Tallahassee, Fla.) served as the reserve.

Competition continues Thursday with the duet free event, which will wrap up the duet competition. 50% of both the technical and free routine scores will be taken and added together for the final composite score.

Events results are available on www.usasynchro.org. For more information or to receive results directly, contact Amy McClintock at mediadir@usasynchro.org.

Team Technical
1. United States, 96.500. 2. Canada, 96.333. 3. Brazil, 90.833. 4. Mexico, 88.333. 5. Venezuela, 84.167. 6. Dominican Republic, 82.333. 7. El Salvador, 68.833.