Photos by Ralph Shields

By Kristin Allen

Velikij Novgorod, Russia – May 9, 2010 – The first day of competition was a strong one for Team U.S.A. Competing here at the 2010 Volkov Cup are truly the best of the best. Many World Champions and Medalists are gracing the white and red competition floor.

All of Team U.S.A. began the competition with their dynamic routines. Senior elite mixed pair Brian Kincher and Nicky Faubert debuted with a score of 28.331 and are resting in fourth place. Their performance was laced with intensity and beauty. Savannah Shields, Mallory Henthorn, and Megan Muehlberger, the senior elite trio, got the crowd going with their vivacious energy, earning themselves a score of 25.340.

Senior elite men’s pair, Dylan Inserra and Axl Osborne, wowed the viewers with their flowing and riveting choreography and presence. The junior elite trio of Jillian Giblin, Liselle Kitchens, and Hannah Busha showed off long and lean lines and difficult skills. They threw their impressive double toe pitch full-twisting double pike, and were granted a score of 28.100. Chelcea Riegel, Kristin Weidmeier, and Mackenzie Porter, also a junior trio, gave a strong performance and were scored a 27.633.