March 3, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas - Missouri's four diving competitors continued their push towards the NCAA Championships with more strong efforts on the second day of the NCAA Zone D Diving meet Saturday at the Jamail Swimming Center.

In the women's competition, sophomore Kendra Melnychuk finished seventh on the one-meter board with 501.75 points, with senior Kim Massaro taking 18th with 428.50.

"Kendra didn't do as well as yesterday simply because she is stronger on the three-meter," Missouri Diving Coach James Sweeney said.

Through the two days of springboard diving, a total of five athletes have secured spots in the women's championship, March 8-10 in Minneapolis. For either Tiger to lock-up one of the two available spots they will need to finish first or second on Sunday's platform contest. Melnychuk could also qualify based on her fourth-place showing from Friday if Texas' Jessica Livingston finishes first on Sunday.

"Today was her weaker event and tomorrow is her strongest so we will see what happens," Sweeney said.

On the men's side, freshman Greg DeStephen and junior David Boyko finished third and seventh, respectively, with final scores that were more than two-times higher than their prelim totals. Both divers have already qualified for the NCAA Championships, which will be March 15-17 in Minneapolis.

The event will conclude on Sunday with the men's and women's platform competition.