Roth Captures Platform Title to Close Auburn Invite

AUBURN, Ala. — South Carolina senior diver Marissa Roth set a new personal best in the platform, scoring a 287.80 to win the event at the Auburn Diving Invite.
 
“Everyone had a good meet this week,” said head diving coach Todd Sherritt.  “It seems like this team has stepped up some this past week and have some momentum going into the break. I was very impressed on how everybody trained going into these meets. After finals and going into a Christmas break can be a challenge— sometimes it becomes difficult to keep student-athletes motivated with the winter break right around the corner,” explained Sherritt.

Roth’s first-place finish was her second win in as many attempts in the platform this season after capturing her first career win at the GT Invite.  Her final day at the Auburn Invite was highlighted by her forward three-and-a-half somersault pike, which scored no lower than a 7.5 from all three judges.

Mikaela Lujan finished second on the women’s side Wednesday, scoring a 249.30 in her first platform event of the season.
 
South Carolina now looks ahead to the Gamecocks’ next dual meet against East Carolina on Jan. 12. Select divers are traveling to Atlanta this week for the USA Diving Senior National Championships.
 
QUOTEABLE: HEAD DIVING COACH TODD SHERRITT

” I thought everyone had good dives with a few great performances. Marissa Roth and Mikaela Lujan had outstanding performances placing first and second on the platform. Marissa has now racked up two major victories in the past month, posting her personal best score on the platform today. Anton Down-Jenkins had another great meet going up against last season’s SEC Champion, Juan Hernandez. His best performance was on the three-meter, winning the prelims and finishing second in the finals session. He was right on the heels of the defending conference champion which is a great place to be as a true freshman. We’re looking forward to watching Karlee Price dive this Friday at nationals. (Price) has been training well and hope to have a great meet here in Atlanta.”

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