March 11, 2005

Atlanta, Ga. – It was a record setting day for the Gamecocks on the first day of the NCAA Diving Zones Competition on the campus of Georgia Tech. Senior women’s diver Lauren King qualified for the NCAA Championships and set a new school record on the three-meter board winning the competition with a score of 546.10. Senior Andy Bradley also qualified for the NCAA Championships with a fifth place finish on the one-meter board with a score of 666.80.

“I thought we did well on our first day of competition,” said USC head diving coach Todd Sherritt. “Andy came in not feeling well today and really stepped up in a grueling contest. He dove well and got himself into the NCAA Championships. Lauren was outstanding in winning the event against 43 other competitors. She did not miss a dive.”

Also competing for Carolina on the women’s side was junior Tracey Richardson, who placed sixth on the three-meter with a score of 477.15. Sophomore Lyndsey Havens was 11th with a score of 462.45 and senior Holly Hodges earned 13th at 444.60.

“I think Tracey has a shot of making the NCAA Championships. We’ll have to wait and see what happens tomorrow but she has a good opportunity. Lyndsey really competed well and so did Holly. All our girls have a shot at making it to the NCAA Championships and doing well.”

Competing along with Bradley on the men’s side was senior Dean Emmerton, who took 16th place with a score of 578.70. Sophomore Ian Balman finished in 28th place at 250.10.

The NCAA Zone Diving Championship meet qualifies 13 men and 11 women for the NCAA Championships. The diving meet will continue on Saturday with the women’s one-meter and men’s three meter springboard competitions.