Mustang Freshmen Solid at NCAA Zone D Diving

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Mustang Freshmen Solid at NCAA Zone D Diving
Egenolf and Culbertson Each Placed Sixth

HOUSTON (SMU)--The first day of NCAA Zone D Diving Championships concluded Friday with the Mustangs in decent shape. Audra Egenolf placed sixth in the one-meter final, while Matthew Culbertson also placed sixth in the three-meter final.

Culbertson ended the prelim round in third place and within sight of an NCAA bid. In the finals, Culbertson again dove well, but made a few mistakes that dropped him to sixth place overall.

"Matt showed what he could do the first time through his list in the prelims," said head coach Jim Stillson. "The second time through, he was not quite as strong. Tomorrow, he'll dive the one-meter and I think his chances might be a little better. He can do it. He's capable of making the NCAAs. He just has to get through his list twice."

Egenolf was consistent throughout the day, ending both the prelims and finals in sixth place.

"Audra dove really well," said Stillson. "She was a little bit off, but she was right there. She has a solid shot at the three-meter tomorrow. Her best shot will probably be in the platform on Sunday, though."

Britney Yancey also dove for the Mustangs, finishing in 18th place in the one-meter final.

"Britney dove better than her score shows," said Stillson. "She made two mistakes, but they were costly ones. Britney is maybe a little better on the three-meter than on the one-meter, so she will likely have a better day tomorrow."

The NCAA Zone D Diving Championships resume Saturday, with the women's three-meter board at 10am and the men's one-meter board at 3:45pm.