ATHENS, Ga. — LSU senior Hali Saucier has accumulated several awards during her career, which has included academic honors and school records.
On Friday, Saucier added another accolade when she qualified for the NCAA Championships with a victory in the 3-meter at the NCAA Zone B Regional here at the Gabrielsen Natatorium.
Saucier, a native of Gig Harbor, Wash., won the 3-meter regional championship with a score of 636.80, which was eight points better than that of second-place Corey Gerlach of Auburn.
“Hali’s performance was just exceptional and the best of her career,” said diving coach Doug Shaffer. “This is probably the most difficult competition there is at the collegiate level. She had her sights set on what she wanted to do.”
The top five women’s finishers qualified for NCAAs, as well as the top three men’s scorers. The women’s 1-meter and men’s 3-meter take place at 9 a.m. CST Saturday. Platform wraps up the three-day competition at 9 a.m. CST Sunday.
Saucier qualified for her first NCAA Championships and just missing a berth last season. The senior has enjoyed one of the finest seasons in LSU diving history. She broke the 3-meter springboard school record in dual-meet competition and ranks second in school history in the 1-meter.
Saucier has also been a valuable member for LSU in the community and classroom. Last spring, she was named LSU Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and she has maintained a 4.0 GPA.
This season she posted career-highs in all three events and was a triple finalist at the Southeastern Conference Championships.
“She’s improved day-in and day-out,” said Shaffer. “It shows what perseverance will do when you have dreams and goals. I am so proud of her going to nationals.”
Freshman Rachel Ware finished 22nd (242.25) in the 3-meter, and junior Paige Brown was 41st (213.55)
Sophomore Nathan Schreiber was the Tigers’ highest finisher on the men’s side as he qualified for the finals of the 1-meter. Schreiber posted a score of 576.30 to place 15th. Senior Andrew Keane was 33rd (231.85), and freshman Kalister Harmon finished 35th (229.70).