The Secondary Schools Competition added more medals to Tauranga Synchro's tally with gold for Eden Worsley and Isobel Pettit (Bethlehem College), third for Catriona Robertson and Rhiannon Mabey (Bethlehem College) and Avalee Donovan (Aquinas College) placing fourth for her solo.
While the results showed Tauranga Synchro's continuing dominance in the more senior categories, it was the efforts of their younger swimmers that were a highlight for the high-performing club.
For the first time, Tauranga Synchro sent a team to compete in the beginner Dolphin category, and the team of eight girls aged between 8-12 years narrowly missed a placing. However, one of their Dolphins, Yeva Parshikova, placed second overall in Figures, which are a combination of various synchronised swimming positions and an important part of overall scores.
"We are delighted that our Dolphins performed so well for such a young team, and thrilled with Yeva's fantastic result in such a large field of competitors," said Dolphins coach Suzanne Ribeiro, a former Brazilian representative synchronised swimmer.
"It's awesome to see the progress of our newer swimmers as they master the basic skills and are able to compete at the national level."
For head coach Lara Teixeira Cianciarulo, one of the highlights of the championships was Tauranga Synchro being awarded the Spirit Trophy.
"It is a trophy that recognises the club showing the greatest sportsmanship, support, warmth and all-around spirit," says the three-time Olympian from Brazil. "And that's so important to us in this club. Working together as a team and encouraging our athletes to be the best they can be. That's what we're all about."
The Dolphins are back to training to prepare for the annual Christmas display in December. Three of Tauranga Synchro's athletes, Eden Worsley, Isobel Pettit and Karlina Steiner, have been selected for the New Zealand Development Team and will be competing at the Singapore Open in late November.
"There are fantastic opportunities in this growing sport," Cianciarulo said.
Tauranga Synchro information: Jo on 027 543 1697, email info@taurangasynchro.co.nz or Facebook @taurangasynchroNZ.