VERMILLION, S.D. ? As day two of the University of South Dakota Diving Invite drew to a close, UND freshman Stephenie Varichak found her way to the top.

Varichak (Fridley, Minn.) qualified for the NCAA Division II Diving Championships with her performances in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives. Varichak finished in first place in the 1-meter with her dive of 369.65. Varichak also qualified for Nationals with her third-place finish in the 3-meter with her score of 422.55.

“Stephanie performed very well today” said UND head diving coach Brian Strom. “This is a great confidence builder as we head into the North Central Conference Championships.”

Katie Girard (Fr., Lino Lakes, Minn.) took sixth place in the 3-meter with her dive of 371.70 and eighth place in the 1-meter with a score of 319.55.

On the men's side, Zach Hawley (Sr., Omaha, Neb.) finished second in the 1-meter with his score of 399.95 and third in the 3-meter with his dive of 423.95.

Both the UND swimming and diving teams are off until the NCC Championships, which will be held in Omaha, Neb. Feb. 21-24.