W&J's Haver 5th at NCAA Division III Championships

Washington & Jefferson College junior Bethany Haver (pictured), the first women’s diver in Presidents’ Athletic Conference history to compete at nationals, placed fifth Wednesday evening in the finals of the 3-meter event at the 2011 NCAA Division III Diving Championships at the University of Tennessee’s Allan Jones Aquatic Center.

With her fifth-place finish, Haver earns NCAA first team All-America status. She is the first President since swimmer Kaitlyn Orstein in 2008 to earn an All-America award.

Haver was in seventh place out of 22 divers following the afternoon trials, but vaulted up the standings thanks in part to a 50.4 dive on her fifth attempt.

The final six dives this evening were added to the individual’s top five dives from the afternoon session. Haver finished with 423.10 points.

Danica Roskos of The College of New Jersey won the national title with 502.45 points.
Haver was edged out for fourth place by just two-tenths of a point by Springfield’s Jen Thompson (423.30).

Haver is one of 22 divers who will compete in the 1-meter national championship Friday.