New York University's
tenth-ranked men's and women's diving teams wrapped up a strong first day of competition on Friday at the NCAA Division III Northeast Diving Regional Championships, hosted by NYU at the Palladium Natatorium in Manhattan.
Thirteen other schools traveled to New York City for the meet: Williams College (#5 men, #3 women), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#6 men, #7 women), Amherst College (#22 men and women), Bowdoin College, Mount Holyoke College, Tufts University, Colby College, Bridgewater State University, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Instititute, Springfield College, Connecticut College, and Hartwick College.
The meet began with the women's three-meter. Out of 24 competitors, each performing 11 dives, NYU's
Issara Schmidt claimed the victory with a total score of 435.20. Her win is another addition to a stacked season resumé that includes a third-place finish in the one-meter at the
University Athletic Association Championships, a one-meter win against
West Chester, a victory in the three-meter at the
Carnegie Mellon Diving Invitational, and a three-meter win at the
NYU Fall Invite.
"Issara's victory on the 3-meter board put the nation on notice," Head Diving Coach
Todd Kolean said. "That solidifies her trip to NCAA Nationals."
Teammate
Katherine Nardone placed fifth on Friday with 397.50, delivering her final few dives to rousing cheers from the home crowd.
"Katherine had probably the best meet of her career," Kolean said. "She's placed herself in a good spot leading into tomorrow."
Meera Kasturi finished seventh with a score of 394, adding a third top-eight performance to the Violets' night.
"Meera dove really well but missed a few dives. At this kind of meet, a point here and there can be crucial. Still, she is in the running for the national meet leading into tomorrow," Kolean commented.
Grayson Kim also competed, placing 21st with 349.95.
Fifteen men took to the pool on Friday evening to compete in the one-meter.
Hunter Whitbeck led the Violets with his eighth-place finish, racking up 403.25 points across his 11 dives.
Sahil Das finished 11th with 386.30 while
Mitchell Mortenson placed 13th (381.60).
"Mitchell had probably his best meet of the year and Sahil was solid all day long," Kolean reflected. "It's a difficult meet in general, but it's especially hard on the men's side this year where they have to be in the top two or three to advance to Nationals. Still, we're looking forward to tomorrow."
The Violets will return to the water for day two of Regionals tomorrow back at the Palladium Natatorium.
