Del Valle and Jimenez Puch Tickets to the NCAA Championship

Monday, March 9

Flagstaff, AZ

California Baptist University

NCAA Diving Zone E Championships

Del Valle and Jimenez Puch Tickets to the NCAA Championship

3/11/2026 7:34:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving

By: Matt Horrocks, Assistant Athletic Director of Communications and Digital Media

FLAGSTAFF, AZ --- Two California Baptist divers have secured a spot in the 2026 NCAA Swimming & Diving National Championship after their performance this week in Arizona. Competing at the NCAA Zone E Qualifier, CBU's Mario Del Valle and Gael Jimenez will continue their season in two events after impressive showings.

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Jimenez was first to secure a spot in the national championship, doing so on day one with 733.53 in 3m diving. One day later, Del Valle punched his ticket with a score of 753.35 in platform.

The duo was not done as each qualified for the national championship in 1m diving with their performances on Wednesday. Del Valle did so with a score of 676.70, and Jimenez followed with a score of 651.10.

Wednesday also saw the confirmation of swimmer Mark Kovacsics, who was announced as an NCAA qualifier in the men's 1650-yard freestyle. Kovacsics hit the qualifying time with his 14:48.77 race at the MPSF Championship.