MILAN, Italy - The Miami University Senior Synchronized Skating team performed its strongest free skate program of the year, winning the free skate portion with a score of 122.16 at the Palasesto in Milan Italy. Combined with its short program score of 67.43, the RedHawks finished second overall at the 2007 Spring Cup with a combined mark of 189.59 -- 1.7 points behind Sweden's Team Surprise, who finished third at last year's World Championships and 10.67 points ahead of Team Marigold, the defending World Synchronized Skating Champion.

For the RedHawks, it is their second straight and fifth overall second-place finish at the Spring Cup. Last year, Miami was edged out by Team Berlin for the gold medal.

The RedHawks are off until Feb. 22-24, when the Senior and Collegiate Teams look to defend their 2006 United States National Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Junior team joins the others as it is making its first appearance at the U.S. Nationals. The Senior Team will be vying for its third national crown while the Collegiate Team has won eight of the last 10 collegiate division titles since becoming a varsity sport in 1996-97.

Palasesto -- Milan, Italy

1. Team Surprise SWE 191.29

2. Miami University USA 189.59

3. Marigold FIN 178.92

4. Hot Shivers ITA 138.85

5. Sweet Mozart AUT 109.65

6. Ice on Fire ITA 93.74

--www.MURedHawks.com--