AUBURN, Ala. – The LSU divers finished competition at the Auburn Diving Invite on Tuesday afternoon with all six divers getting top-ten finishes for the Tigers.
For the women, Lizzie Cui and Makayla Robillard competed on platform for the first time this season. Cui finished sixth, scoring a 220.70, and Robillard took ninth, diving to a score of 203.25.
Rileigh Knox did not compete on platform.
“This was Lizzie’s first platform event of the year as it is not something we’ve been focusing on greatly,” said diving head coach Doug Shaffer. “Makayla is making some progress after coming back from a few injuries.”
For the third straight day, all four men managed to crack the top ten. Junior Matthew Phillip was the highest-placed Tiger, finishing second with a score of 378.20. Juan Celaya-Hernandez took bronze by scoring a 362.60. Both scores were season-high marks.
Meanwhile, freshman Dakota Hurbis finished seventh with a score of 289.10, while Matt McClellan finished strong to take eighth place, scoring a 285.65.
“Matt Phillip stepped up today and showed us a glimmer of his potential on platform,” explained Shaffer. “Juan was a bit inconsistent but Matt McClellan and Dakota are developing nicely.”
“Overall, I’m very pleased with the meet,” said Shaffer. “We’re looking forward to some down time with our families and then starting right back up after the first of the year”
Next up for the Tigers is the Tennessee Diving Invitational Jan. 3-5, 2018, at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville.
For more information and updates on LSU Swimming and Diving please visit LSUsports.net, ‘like’ us on Facebook at LSU Swimming and Diving or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @LSUswimdive.
NCAA Zones Qualifying Scores:
Platform: Juan Celaya-Hernandez (362.60)
Platform: Matthew Phillip (378.20)