The Emporia High girls diving squad placed all three of its divers in the top five at the Centennial League Championships on Thursday at the Capital Federal Natatorium at the Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.
Junior Carissa Schmitz led the way for the Lady Spartan divers, placing third with a score of 306.60 despite battling mono. Schmitz finished behind Manhattan’s Lisa Allen (350.45) and Washburn Rural’s Taylor Martindale (313.00).
The highlight of the day came from sophomore Aubrey Armitage, who placed fourth and qualified for the State meet along the way with a score of 288.35.
“It was an exciting day to get Aubrey qualified for State,” Emporia High diving coach Barbara Clark said. “It was her last chance, and her last dive — a back dive in the straight position — was a clean dive that scored her 31.45 points. To qualify, she needed a 280, and she surpassed that.”
Senior Hayley Fry rounded out the top five, as she scored a 282.10.
All three EHS divers now have qualified for next week’s State meet in Topeka.
The swimming portion of the Centennial League Championships was set to take place today.