DIVING U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS : Despite Layoff, Lucero Wins 9th National Title

Wendy Lucero, who took two months off to prepare for her wedding, won her ninth U.S. diving championship by winning the 1-meter springboard competition Thursday night.

Lucero, who has more national titles than any other active diver, goes for her 10th in the 3-meter springboard starting today. She scored 458.16 points, beating Janae Lautenschlager by nearly 14 points.

Krista Klein won the bronze medal, finishing nearly 16 points behind Lucero.

Lucero, who had not competed in diving meet since May, later got a big hug from her fiance, forward Danny Schayes of the Milwaukee Bucks. Their wedding is scheduled for Aug. 31.

In the men’s platform semifinals, Scott Donie of Southern Methodist, was the top qualifier and will attempt to win his first national platform championship Sunday.