FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (March 9, 2021) – For the second time in as many days, sophomore Melissa Mirafuentes garnered another NCAA qualification with her fourth place finish in the 3-meter on Tuesday at the NCAA Zone Championships. For the women, the top nine earn an NCAA championship bid, while the top six on the men's side advance.   
 
She had a strong showing the preliminaries with a second place score of 309.65, right behind Mia Paulsen of Stanford to reach the finals. Followed that up with a six dive total of 296.50 in the finals for a combined score of 606.15.  The two-time defending MW Champion in the platform, Mirfuentes will look to qualify for her third event on the week.
 
"It was great to have Melissa qualify again with a fourth place finish in the 3-meter," head diving coach Ted Everett said. "She didn't have her best performance but was solid in a close competition and earned valuable experience. She stayed steady and didn't let the pressure get to her. It was good to see."
 
In the men's platform, it was a good day for both junior Brendan Byrnes and freshman Juan Gonzalez. Byrnes finished eighth in the prelims with a score of 268.80 for an eighth place spot while Gonzalez was right behind and a score of 264.65. Gonzalez bettered his score in the finals going 271.45 for a total of 536.10 to finish ninth. Byrnes recorded a six dive total of 264.65 and a combined overall mark of 533.45.
 
"The men did a fine job today," he added. "They don't quite have the experience that some of the other competitors have but performed well and earned good experience. I was proud of the way everyone performed."
 
Preliminaries for the women's platform and the men's 1-meter are scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. MT at the Wall Aquatic Center in Flagstaff.