Poland’s Vallinger fifth, Sabol 15th at Division II state diving

staff report

CANTON — Senior Tricia Vallinger of Poland High placed fifth in the Division II state diving championships at C.T. Branin Natatorium on Thursday.

Vallinger’s teammate, junior Anna Sabol, placed 15th in the same event.

Senior Nikki Craft of Bay, the defending state champion, won the event with a score of 449.90. Natalie Ritter of Columbus Academy was second with 414.30, followed by Sarah Pyles of Cincinnati Hills Christian (385.35) and Andrea Acquista of Columbus DeSales (381.55).

Vallinger finished with a score of 380.05.

Chelsea Lucas of Lima Shawnee, MacKenzie Tweardy of Elyria Catholic, Kristin Hrabowy of DeSales, and Kendall Weber and Lacy Mynhier, both of Wauseon, rounded out the top 10.

Sabol had a score of 264.40.

In the Div. II boys diving event, Jamie Englhardt of Chagrin Falls won with a score of 488.10.

There were no area participants in the boys competition.

The state championships continue today with preliminary heats in the swimming events, with the championship races in both divisions and genders scheduled for Saturday.