CB South’s Charlton dives to District 1-3A gold
TOWAMENCIN >> Central Bucks South’s Alexandra Charlton figured Saturday would be the final diving meet of her season and of her high school career.
Turns out, she has one more left. And it’s a big one.
“It’s so exciting,” the senior standout said. “I didn’t even have states in my mind because I didn’t think I was gonna get past this meet. It’s just so exciting that I finally make it.
“I’ve been trying at this for three years now so it’s really, really exciting.”
Charlton earned it the hard way, grabbing the one qualifying spot by capturing the District 1-3A Title Saturday afternoon at The Rick Carroll Natatorium. She heads to states for the first time as a district gold medalist.
Said Charlton: “I knew it was gonna be a tough one.”
From her impressive front double pike to just about every one of her dives in the 11-round competition, the senior was at her best.
“I felt solid,” Charlton said. “I think a couple dives could have been sharper and a few dives were a little bit better than expected.”
Both district gold medalists were named Alexandra, as Alexandra Pastris captured the District 1-2A Title for Marple Newtown, punching her ticket to states.
Class 3A saw the North Penn duo of Keira Allison and Maddie Zartman place second and sixth to earn crucial points for the squad in its pursuit of another team title.
In a difficult season for competitors, coaches and everyone involved, the Knights pair was happy to get up on the board one last time this winter.
“There was a lot of not knowing what was going to happen,” Zartman said of the season. “But I’m just glad we had a season and that we could be here together.”
Said Zartman of the almost-empty stands, due to social distancing guidelines: “I think it takes off a lot of pressure not having people here. It is cool to have supporters though, but at least we had the meet.”
Echoed Allison: “I’m just really happy that we got to have a season at all.”
Lower Merion’s Amari Swint, Pennsbury’s Kassidy Georgevich and Conestoga’s Grace Gallagher also medaled, in third, fourth and fifth.
The field was pared down this year, again due to social distancing, but Charlton notched one of the few qualifying spots and went from there.
“I think that helped me,” she said of there being just 11 divers in 3A, with the senior topping the field with 410.70 points. “I think that gave me a little bit more confidence in my dives. And last year, I had a terrible districts. I (did not make semis).
“So it’s really exciting to do so well this year.”
Girls Diving
District 1-3A Championships
One Qualifies for States
1. Alexandra Charlton (CB South) 410.70; 2. Keira Allison (NP) 398.65; 3. Amari Swint (Lower Merion) 391.25; 4. Kassidy Georgevich (Pby) 388.95; 5. Grace Gallagher (Conestoga) 388.85; 6. Maddie Zartman (NP) 385.55; 7. Ava Dijstelbloem (Strath Haven) 369.45; 8. Grace Lynch (PW) 351.15; 9. Ashley Evitts (Upper Merion) 350.90; 10. Noa Dijstelbloem (Strath Haven) 340.65; 11. Sarah McHugh (West Chester East) 337.95.
District 1-2A Championships
One Qualifies for States
1. Alexandra Pastris (Marple Newtown) 446.50; 2. Yuvai Levi (Lower Moreland) 341.50; 3. Peyton Kintzley (Villa Maria) 323.65; 4. Mickie Soroka (Upper Moreland) 322.20; 5. Karlee Gohl (Upper Moreland) 308.40; 6. Megan Latesta (Gwynedd Mercy) 297.30; 7. Morgan Kelly (Villa Maria) 287.20; 8. Elisabeth Bozzola (Upper Moreland) 284.40.
