Synchronized swimming: Stillwater opens season with victory

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS — Kicking off the season much like it ended its last, the three-time reigning state champion Stillwater synchronized swimming team blanked Columbia Heights 29-0 in an East Metro Conference figures meet on Thursday, March 21 at Columbia Heights High School.

The Ponies (1-0 EMC, 1-0) featured 19 athletes who received a score in the 60s, led by sophomore Hailey Schmit (73.735) and senior Paige Schmitt (70.936) in the top two spots. Annie Gritters, who joined the Schmit sisters in earning all-state honors a year ago, finished third with a score of 66.881. Gabby Lalande (65.342) and Isana Downing (64.954) completed the top five for the Ponies, who occupied the top 20 spots in the meet.

Stillwater travels to Maple Grove on April 4 and hosts Forest Lake in a figures meet on April 9 before hosting Columbia Heights in the team’s first routines meet on April 18.

Stillwater 29, Columbia Heights 0

Figures (Stillwater top 30)

1. Hailey Schmit 73.735; 2. Paige Schmit 70.936; 3. Annie Gritters 66.881; 4. Gabby Lalande 65.342; 5. Isana Downing 64.954; 6. Megan Johnson 64.767; 7. Andelyn Filandrinos 64.233; 8. Elaina Lokken 63.826; 9. Kaelynn Grecian 62.571; 10. Kate Jentink 62.228; 11. Hanna Wiese 62.205; 12. Cyra Brazzell 61.511; 13. Ava Fox 61.420; 14. Amelia Bonestroo 61.228; 15. Emily Dicks 61.164; 16. Sienna Cruz 60.781; 17. Jillian Kulzer 60.767; 18. Kayla Crooks 60.744; 19. Alex Kruse 60.539; 20. Gabbi Chau 59.881; 22. Eleanor Kautzman 59.274; 23. Mackenzie Kroma 58.662; 24. Audrey Banna 58.621; 27. Freya Borchardt 57.068; 28. Audrey Funk 56.826; 29. Mariela Rodriguez 56.475; 30. Claire Haaland 56.434.