Canada off to solid start in New Orleans

 OTTAWA - Canada is off to a great start at the United Airlines Open at the University of New Orleans Aquatic Centre in New Orleans, LA.

 The event kicked off Wednesday afternoon for Canada with the duet tech event featuring 18 entries. Canada’s national team duet of Jessica Outhwaite, of White Rock B.C., and Tanya Matson, of Coquitlam, B.C., sit in second place after the duet tech.

 Kate Hooven and Becky Kim of the U.S. sit first with a routine score of 88.667, while Canada’s duet is very close behind with a routine score of 88.500. Janet and Jennie Culp, also from the U.S., sit third with a score of 87.667.

 The duet final takes place Friday afternoon.

 The team tech followed later in the day and Canada once again showed its dominance with a solid performance.

 The U.S. currently sits in first place with a routine score of 91.833, but Canada is not far behind with a score of 90.500.

 “The team swam the best they have since training camp started,” said assistant coach Jennifer Defoy. “We are extremely proud of the team and feel this is a great day for Canada.

 The team will look to move into first Thursday night when the finals take place.

 Canada is represented at the United Airlines Open by:

Jessica Outhwaite, White Rock, BC

Tanya Matson, Coquitlam, BC

Dana Schott, Calgary, AB

Jennifer Song, Calgary AB

Tracy Little, Montreal QC

Isabelle Rampling, Burlington, ON

Magali Diotte, Montreal, QC

Tara Brawley, Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

Marie Pier Boudreau Gagnon, Riviere du Loup, QC

Laura Elliott, Cloverdale, BC