INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Bentley University sophomore Hilla Almog (Wayland, Mass./Wayland HS) came close in the NCAA Division II diving qualifying meet at the IUPUI Natatorium Tuesday but missed advancing to the NCAA Championships by just one place and five points on the three-meter board.

Almog had a strong showing in the three-meter with her score of 227.75 points putting her 18^th among 35 competitors. The last diver to advance, Lexis Mirandette of Davenport, finished in 17^th with 232.20.

Almog started and finished the three-meter competition strong. Her first dive, a forward two-and-a-half somersault from the pike position, generated 50.30 points to put her in first place at the time. She closed by earning 44.80 points with a back one-and-a-half somersault two-and-a-half twist.

From the one-meter board during the morning sessions, Almog didn't have as much success. She placed 34^th of 39 with a 175.75.

Her highest scoring dive from the one-meter was 39.60 points off a reverse one-and-a-half somersault half twice.

Last year in her first trip to the qualifying meet, Almog scored 189.15 from the one-meter and 146.30 from the three-meter.