March 9, 2012
Three divers qualify for the NCAAs on day one of the NCAA Zone A Qualifiers
Logan Shinholser, Kaylea Arnett and Ryan Hawkins all automatically qualify
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(6) Notre Dame 4
(44) Virginia Tech3

BUFFALO, N.Y.Logan Shinholser, Ryan Hawkins and Kaylea Arnett of the Virginia Tech diving squad automatically qualified for the 2012 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on day one of the NCAA Zone A Qualifying meet at the Alumni Arena Natatorium. Shinholser and Arnett swept the men’s 3-meter and women’s 1-meter competition, respectively, while Hawkins placed second in the men’s 3-meter.

“It was a great first day of competition,” commented head diving coach Ron Piemonte. “Out of the 41 male divers, Logan Shinholser winning the men’s 3-meter was amazing. He hit all of his dives to finish almost perfect. On the women’s side, in a pool of 44 divers, Kaylea Arnett was incredible; to win the women’s 1-meter event and automatically advance to NCAAs is great.”

Shinholser was the only diver to receive a score over 400 in both the preliminary and final rounds of the 3-meter event. The junior brought in a score of 425.75 in the prelims, while improving to 426.95 in the finals to take the event.

Arnett swept the 1-meter competition for the women. The freshman received the top score in the preliminary round as she scored a 290.30 before bringing in the winning score of 294.70 to head to the NCAAs.

Along with the top spots, the second-place finisher of each event automatically qualifies to the NCAAs. Hawkins came in second to receive the automatic bid as he brought in a score of 397.00 in the prelims, while finishing with a 376.05 in the final round.

“Ryan Hawkins did extremely well,” added Piemonte. “Second place and an automatic bid is an amazing accomplishment. I am so happy for him along with all my other divers that did a great job in this tight competition.”

Rounding out the men’s 3-meter for the Hokies was freshman Kyle Butts, who placed fifth with a final score and career-best 362.70, while John Trope finished 10th with a score of 335.80.

Logan Kline finished fifth in the 1-meter for the women, with a final score of 281.35, while Sara Mokhtari brought in a score of 238.90 to place 15th.

Competition will start back up on Saturday at noon with the women’s 3-meter followed by the men’s 1-meter event.

For updates on Virginia Tech swimming & diving, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_SwimDive).

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