By John Hagerty, deputy sports editor
The Northeastern University diving team traveled to James Madison University for the Duke Dog Invite Saturday to compete against CAA foes JMU and Towson University.
Unlike their normal diving invitationals, this meet had the preliminary rounds and the finals for the 1-meter and the 3-meter dives all in one day, rather than over the course of two days. This proved to be a grueling physical and mental challenge, but fourth-year captain Alyssa Seales was proud of how the team rose to the occasion.
“I think that the team handled it really well,” Seales said. “It was a lot of diving and the team was tired, but everyone looked really consistent and it was a good meet.”
Seales finished second in the 1-meter and fourth-year Jacquelyn Gover finished fifth in the 3-meter. Seales and Gover, who have collected two CAA Diver of the Week awards each this season, have been consistent point-scorers for the Huskies.
Despite her inexperience, first-year Sabrina Chan showed her potential and ability with a seventh place finish in the 3-meter event.
“Sabrina did really well getting to the finals on both boards,” Seales said. “I think both [Chan and first-year Jadyn Koss] did well dealing with diving so much and the amount of people there.”
The Huskies were also able to see how they fared against conference opponents, getting a preview of what will come at the CAA championship meet in Christiansburg, Virginia, Feb. 14-17.
“The majority of conference was there that we’re going to see next week and I think that we held our own,” Seales said.
JMU stood out as especially tough competitors, putting together an impressive showing at their home pool as they took first in both events and had five of the top six finishers in the 1-meter. Three JMU Dukes posted NCAA-qualifying scores during the preliminary rounds.
Now, the team’s focus shifts to their preparation for CAAs. This week, the divers will be practicing their lists, which consist of six dives for each platform level.
“We basically have to run through our dives as much as possible, just getting more consistent and being able to go no matter what,” Seales said. “We are working on our entries, making sure the little things are getting fixed, keeping our toes pointed, working on technique.”
On the swimming side, this week will be spent tapering, which entails lower mileage, less intense practices and a focus on rest and recovery before the important meet.
The divers will continue their training through this week before CAAs and the swimming team will be competing one more time at the Boston University Open Feb. 9-10.
