It's easy for the latter half of "swimming and diving" to get lost in the fray when discussing the Nebraska women's sport.
Though they don't get much attention, swimming Coach Pablo Morales cautions against underestimating the work the Cornhusker divers put forth.
"We're in a very competitive conference," Morales said. "We are focusing recruiting efforts on divers who are willing to work hard and improve this program."
The demands are rigorous. Nebraska divers begin their mornings with a grueling 6 a.m. dry land training session. Then it's on to a full schedule of classes before afternoon practice, which can last up to three hours at a time.
Fifth year senior and team leader Courtney Jolly is quite familiar with the routine of a diver - and the benefits.
This past weekend at the Minnesota Diving Invitational, Jolly took home two first place finishes, as well as a second place finish.
Jolly won both the one and three meter dives.
In the one meter dive, Jolly posted a score of 283.50, edging out teammate Emily Burbach, who finished third with a score of 237.00.
In the three meter dive, Jolly recorded a score of 319.42, a career best. Burbach again finished third with a score of 276.75.
On the platform, Jolly was unable to notch three wins on the day, falling short of first with a score of 221.47. Yet again, Burbach followed in third with a score of 201.75.
Diving Coach Natasha Chikina, who has been with the team for three seasons, was happy with Jolly's performance.
"Courtney did very well," Chikina said. "It's her senior year, and it is very important for her to be consistent at invitational and work toward conference, Diving Zone (a college diving invitational) and qualifying for nationals."
Teammate Tia Claps also recorded fifth place finishes in both the one and three meter dives and a fourth place finish in the platform.
The wins mark Jolly's third and fourth wins of the season.
"It was a real good meet for the whole team," Chikina said.
Both the swimming and diving teams will be in action this weekend. The Huskers will host the Husker Invitational Thursday through Sunday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center Pool.
jaysloan@dailynebraskan.com
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