Dec. 19, 2008
AUBURN -
Five Auburn divers registered NCAA zone-qualifying scores and school record was nearly broken Friday at the Auburn Diving Invitational at the James E. Martin Aquatic Center. Divers from Alabama and LSU are also competing in the event.
"Overall, I am pleased with our results today," diving coach Jeff Shaffer said. "We had five divers score zone qualifying scores and Dan [Mazzaferro] was six points away from breaking a school record. We were diving well and we are in the right situation for training and competition for the season."
Friday's action opened with freshman Anna Aguero finishing as the women's 1-meter runner-up with a NCAA zone-qualifying score of 280.20. Aguero was the only Tiger that advanced to the finals. Vanessa Dantin (231.95), Laura Mulqueen (197.70) and Mary Catherine Cochran were also in action for Auburn.
"On the women's side, Anna getting second was a positive for us," Shaffer said. "She was consistent on the corrections she needed to make. She has two solid lists of dives. Laura's goal was to break 200 and she was close. She continues to improve."
The men were in action on the 3-meter, with junior Dan Mazzaferro just six points shy of breaking the school record and four divers recorded NCAA zone-qualifying scores. Mazzaferro scored a 421.55 in preliminary competition. Auburn's record of 427.80 was set on Feb. 3, 2007, by Steven Segerlin.
All of the Tigers' qualifying scores came during preliminary action. Mazzaferro led the way with his 421.55, followed by Kelly Marx (371.75), Adam Godzinski (337.50) and Scott Morgan (331.25). Mazzaferro finished as the men's runner up and Marx and Godzinski finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
"On the men's side, I am happy with the results, especially in the prelims," Shaffer said. "Dan was six points away from a school record. I am disappointed we didn't improve on our preliminary performance in the finals."
The Auburn Diving Invitational wraps up Saturday with both the men and women competing on the platform starting at 10 a.m. Admission is free.