Wagner places first in short program

Omaha, NE – Ashley Wagner won the short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Thursday.

Last year's ladies champion, Wagner, earned a score of 67.57 points, which gives her a two-point lead heading into Saturday's free skate.

She is attempting to become the first American woman to win back-to-back national titles since Michelle Kwan in 2005.

Agnes Zawadzki, who won last year's short program, was second, ahead of 2008 U.S. champion Mirai Nagasu.