Pitman High sophomore Natasha Sondeno placed first out of 20 girls present at the varsity diving Division I CIF Sectionals with a score of 274.5 in Thursday’s trial run at Johansen High.

After topping out in the event, Sondeno was only a few points away from the All-American mark which disappointed her but she hopes to improve on her already great performance on Saturday in the finals.

“She was a little disappointed missing the All American qualifying mark but we are so proud of her. We knew she could compete with anybody despite only being in the tenth grade. She is outstanding,” Pitman girls head coach Michaela Solario said.

Sondeno’s major competition will be on Saturday as the finals will be underway at McClatchy High School in Sacramento and she hopes to top out — at least in the top three.

“She dove very well, but overall Thursday was just to get to Saturday… her major competition will be Saturday and that is what she is working for. I am very excited to see how it goes for her,” said Solario.

If Sondeno can top out, even in the top three, she will be considered the best diver that Pitman has ever had with such a high placing, but her goal is to win it all.

“If she wins this, then not only will she be the best section diver but the best we have ever had at Pitman especially if she only gets top three. It’s something that is truly impressive,” Solario added.