Crown Point's Charlie Wayne finished third in Tuesday's South Bend Riley Diving Regional, leading a trio of local competitors to qualify for the state finals Saturday.
Wayne, the C.P. Sectional champ who finished second to Valparaiso's Khalela El-Naggar in last year's regional, posted a score of 387.6, just 0.35 off her total from Saturday. She was followed by El-Naggar, the defending champion who checked in fourth at 378.85. El-Naggar won a year ago with a 411.6.
"Khalela struggled a little bit. It wasn't her best meet," Valpo diving coach Scott Valpatic said. "Actually, she did much better Saturday at sectionals. Charlie's been a tough competitor all four years. We knew she could beat Khalela if she had a good meet."
Crown Point's Ashley Holland claimed the eighth and final qualifying slot, posting a 352.25. She placed 11th last year. Samantha Reese of South Bend St. Joseph's captured the title with a 437.65, followed by NorthWood's Melissa Berger (396.7).
"It was tougher field this year," Valpatic said. "Most of the top 12 was back. You never look past a qualifying meet, but our main focus all season has been on state. It was important (to advance), but how we performed here wasn't real important. We're focusing on energy on Saturday."
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