Submitted Photo
Above are the eight divers who have qualified for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships later this month. From the left are: Ainsley Graham, Clarence; Grace Desing, Lake Shore; Brylee Reisenburg, Frontier; Tori Franke, Niagara Falls; Kayla Rejewski, Grand Island; Elaina Pitts, Frewsburg; Leah Marsh, Fredonia; and Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer, Fredonia. The NYSPHSAA meet will be held Nov. 21-23 in Webster.

BUFFALO — Eight divers from Section VI will be competing in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships later this month.

And you’ll never guess who placed first at the state qualifier Thursday at Erie Community College?

Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer of Fredonia.

The senior claimed that title for the fourth consecutive year, totaling 507.60 points for 11 dives. Torianne Franke of Niagara Falls was second (458.85) and Elayna Pitts of Frewsburg was third (445.85). Leah Marsh of Fredonia placed sixth with 404.90 points.

“Heading into states, Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer is seeded third and (Grace Desing) of Lake Shore is 10th, but as I like to say: ‘Seeding doesn’t mean a thing until you compete with the same set of judges.’”

The states will be held Nov. 21-23 in Webster. The diving is scheduled for Nov. 22, beginning at 10 a.m.