GREENSBORO, N.C. — Scott MacKay of the University of La Verne swimming and diving team placed 20th on the 3-meter diving board on the first day of the 2016 NCAA Division III National Championships at Greensboro Aquatic Center.

MacKay, who mostly dives outdoors in Southern California, has had to adjust competing indoors against divers who practice and compete indoors year-round but posted a good result in his first national championship appearance.

"Competing in a meet of this caliber is both exciting and intimidating," MacKay said. "I definitely noticed I was a bit more nervous than usual during the first two rounds but once we started going, I fell into my routine and it was easer to relax."

The senior, who is La Verne's first-ever diver to compete at the national championships, missed a spot in the final by 18 points. The top 16 finishers in the prelim qualify for finals and the La Verne senior finished 20th overall with an 11-dive score of 401.45.

"I dove pretty well but I know that I'm capable of diving much better," MacKay offered. "I'm looking forward to another day day of training and the 1-meter competition."

MacKay will get a day off competition tomorrow and return to action on Friday on the 1-meter board.