FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (3/9/22) – Melissa Mirafuentes had one goal in mind Wednesday at the 2022 NCAA Zone E Diving Championships. The University of Wyoming junior was aiming to punch her ticket to the NCAA Championships.

And it was a goal she reached. Mirafuentes placed third in platform with a score of 547.40 inside Wall Aquatic Center, and, once again, she improved from her preliminary place of fifth en route to extending her season.

"Today had a mission-accomplished moment," diving head coach Ted Everett said. "Melissa did a great job of staying within herself and staying in the moment."

Mirafuentes wasn't the only Cowgirl competing in platform Wednesday. Senior McKenna Houlihan checked in at No. 23 after accumulating 201.45 points, while freshman Gabriella Hagler finished 28th with a final tally of 186.45.

On the men's side, sophomore Juan Gonzalez paced the Cowboys in the 1-meter event. He placed 18th in prelims with 277.40 points before vaulting up to 11th in finals with a final tally of 611.70. Senior Brendan Byrnes took 24th in prelims with 234.35 points.

"Juan got a personal best in finals with the most difficult competition you can imagine," Everett said. "None of his dives were the best he's ever done them, but altogether there were no misses."

Mirafuentes now turns her attention to the women's NCAA swimming & diving championships, which begin March 16 in Atlanta, Georgia.