COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sophomore Rachel Ware of the LSU diving team earned honorable mention All-American honors in the 1-meter event on Day 1 of the 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships Thursday afternoon at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion.
Ware placed 12th overall out of 40 divers in the 1-meter event by posting a final score of 289.75. She improved on her prelims score of 277.45.
Ware improved from her All-American performance last season where she finished 14th.
“I thought the first day went well,” Ware said. “The competition is really tough and there are a lot of really good divers. I dove well but there is still stuff I can work on. I am happy with how I started and look forward to the next two events.”
Ware is one of five Southeastern Conference divers who finished in the top 16 to receive All-American honors. Along with Ware, Kentucky’s Kari Retrum, Tennessee’s Lauren Leroy, South Carolina’s Taryn Zack and Arkansas’ Madison Palmer all finished in the final 16.
“Rachel had a good start to her second NCAA Championships,” LSU diving coach Doug Shaffer said. “It is her third All-American finish and a good sign of things to come as she continues to develop. The competition is tight. We look forward to the next two days.”
Ware will be back in action on Friday when she will participate in the 3-meter event. Prelims begin at 12:30 C.T. and finals start at 6 p.m.
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