This was a competition of firsts for [Stephanie] Roth, who had back surgery just six months ago.
"This was my first time without a coach and also my first competition since my injury, so I'm really proud of it," she said
Roth's victory qualified her for the World University Games next January in Torino, Italy. The Games conflict with the 2007 State Farm U.S. Championships, so Roth would have to forego a spot at the national event should she qualify through sectionals. That didn't seem to be a problem for the newly crowned champion.
"Oh, I'm absolutely going (to Torino)! I'm so excited!" Roth said. "I've been to nationals before but never to an international, and the chance to make the team was one of the reasons I came back to skating after nationals to begin with. I can't wait."
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