AUSTIN, Texas — Three LSU divers claimed top-10 finishes to highlight the Tigers’ efforts Saturday at the NCAA Zone ‘D’ Regional in the University of Texas’ Jamail Center.
Men’s divers Brian Gemberling and Matt Vieke and Lady Tiger sophomore Rebecca St. Germain each finished in the top 10 of their respective springboard events, while freshmen Sean McKinney and Daniel Helm also advanced to the men’s final for the second straight day.
Gemberling delivered seventh in the men’s three-meter as he posted consistent efforts of 348.30 and 355.55 in the prelim and final, respectively, to tally a combined score of 703.85. St. Germain registered eighth in the women’s one-meter with a two-round total of 551.85, while Vieke recorded 10th in the three-meter with his mark of 657.20.
McKinney took 11th with a 652.40 score, and Helm followed his teammate in 12th (652.35). Lady Tiger sophomore Elle Schmidt placed 24th in the women’s one-meter prelims (238.80).
“We had some solid performances and a pretty good day overall,” co-head coach Doug Shaffer said. “Our divers definitely have the talent and ability to move on to the NCAA Championships from this meet, but it just didn’t come to fruition today.”
Two more men qualified for the NCAA Championships with their three-meter performances on Saturday as David Bonuchi (Missouri) and Andrew Brown (Minnesota) punched their tickets to Minneapolis. In the women’s one-meter, Loren Figueroa (Missouri), Janie Potvin (Texas A&M) and Deidre Freeman (Iowa) secured NCAA bids.
The NCAA Zone ‘D’ Regional will wrap up Sunday with the men’s and women’s platform competitions. Two more qualifying spots are up for grabs on the men’s side, while three more women will earn bids.
The prelims begin at 11 a.m. CST. Live results can be accessed at www.DiveMeets.com.