March 16, 2008
AUBURN, Ala. - Sophomore Brittany Viola and freshman J.J. Kinzbach won Sunday's platform finals in their respective fields while sophomore Reuben Ross placed second on the men's side behind only Kinzbach as competition concluded at the 2008 NCAA Zone `B' Diving Championships at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center in Auburn, Ala.
Viola blew away the field in the platform finals, scoring a 702.50, nearly 120 points better than second-place finisher Kristen Davies of NC State's 584.20. On the men's side, Kinzbach had an impressive showing with a score of 857.30 in the finals, beating out Ross' 796.70 and third-place finisher Daniel Mazzaferro of Auburn's 779.05.
With their performances over the weekend, all three UM divers competing qualified for the 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.
The top 12 women and top 10 men from the weekend's zone events are advancing on to the 2008 NCAA meet. The women's Championship is scheduled for March 20-22 in Columbus, Ohio, while the men's is slated for March 27-29 in Federal Way, Wash.
Earning the 12 qualifying spots for the women were Viola, Hannah Moore (Georgia), Taryn Zack (South Carolina), Lauren Leroy (Tennessee), Kristen Davies (North Carolina State), Kari Retrum (Kentucky), Stephanie England (Georgia Tech), Rachel Ware (LSU), Jeana Bartell (Florida), Hannah Krimm (Georgia Tech), Aleia Monden (Florida State) and Monica Dodson (Florida).
The women's alternates are Lauren Dunn of Alabama and Paige Brown of LSU.
Earning the 10 qualifying spots for the men were Kinzbach, Ross, Dan Mazzferro (Auburn), Terry Horner (Florida State), Stephen Andrews (Kentucky), Aaron Fleshner (Alabama), Kelly Marx (Auburn), Michael McDonald (Virginia Tech) and Ryan Funderburk (North Carolina).
The men's alternates are Niko Dalmon and Michael Neubacher, both of LSU.
For complete results from this weekend's action in Auburn, click here.
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