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AUSTIN, Texas, March 19. MIAMI (Florida)'s Brittany Viola ended a two-year drought in the event with a winning effort in the platform diving event at the NCAA Division I Women's Championships.
Viola posted 354.25 points for the victory, winning the title for the first time since capturing it in 2008 with 362.60 points. Arizona's State's Elina Eggers placed second with 345.60 points, while Miami (Florida)'s Carrie Dragland took third with 326.10 points.
"I'm just ecstatic," Viola said. "I'm a senior and on my way out. This is my last competition of my collegiate career, so I couldn't be any more excited. I just wanted to have fun, taking in every moment."
Texas A&M's Janie Potvin (314.15), Kentucky's Lisa Faulkner (311.95), Auburn's Vennie Dantin (311.75) and Stanford's Margaret Hostage (232.65) made up the rest of the championship finale.
During her second round dive, Texas' Maren Taylor injured her right elbow and was taken out on a stretcher, demonstrating just how dangerous the platform diving event can be. She received a football-like standing ovation from the crowd as she was carted away from the diving well. The injury forced Taylor to withdraw, costing Texas top-eight team points.
California pushed out to a nearly insurmountable lead with 392 points, nearly 40 points ahead of Georgia's second-place 354.5. Cal would have to DQ its relay with Georgia winning to overcome the lead. USC (333), Stanford (244) and Arizona (236) stand third through fifth.
Swimming World's NCAA Division I Women's Championships Notes Package Sponsored by NISCA
