The Surrey-based BC Aquasonics had plenty to celebrate in the pool last week, after the synchronized-swimming organization's junior team placed sixth at Synchro Canada's National Qualifiter Championships in Quebec.
The sixth-place showing at the competition, which was held at Laval University, was the best-ever finish for a B.C. junior team since the national qualifier event was introduced in 2013.
"We are tremendously proud of our junior team," said Aquasonics head coach Susan Kemper.
"We had a few curve balls thrown our way this year, but these young women work extremely well as steam and really came together for this competition."
The junior squad placed fifth for their routine, and sixth-place overall for their championship score, according to a news release.
In addition to Kemper and fellow coach Tanya Magee, the Aquasonics team includes Surrey swimmers Courtney Armstrong, Jessica Friesen, Erin Nichols, Emily Yang and Nancy Zhang, as well as Grace Macdonald of Delta, Langley's Cameron Blades and Coquitlam's Mikaylo Papillo.
In addition to their strong team finish, the duet of Zhang and Blades also qualified for the Canadian Open during the Quebec meet, placing 16th in the country; the top 20 pairs qualified.
The Canadian Open Synchronized Swimming Championships – for junior (16-18 year-olds) and senior (18-plus) competitors – are set for April 27 to May 1 in Calgary.