University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
New Hampshire
Gymnastics Team Edges Wildcats, 192.275-192.150
1/31/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 31, 2000
PITTSBURGH - The Panther gymnastics team claimed a come-from-behind victory at New Hampshire in its first East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) action of the season. Freshman Jennifer Easter (Dover Del./Ceasar Rodney) clinched the win with her best balance beam performance to date, helping Pittsburgh edge out the Wildcats, 192.275-192.150.
During the floor exercise rotation, senior Danielle "Freddie" Alba (Philadelphia, Pa./Bishop McDevitt) went down with an injury and could not complete her routine. One of the Panthers' top beam performers, Alba was replaced by Easter to complete the lineup in the last rotation of the competition. With only 30 seconds to warm up and needing a score of 9.70 for the Pittsburgh win, Easter executed almost flawlessly and earned a season-high mark of 9.825.
Freshman Nathalie Sulpher (Ottawa, Canade/Franco-Quest) stood out in the competition as well, as she claimed second place on vault (9.675), and fourth on floor with a season-high 9.80. Senior Samantha Salyers (Glenn Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) led the uneven bar contingent with a second-place finish and a score of 9.850. Sophomore Raya Mullin (Runnamede, N.J./Triton) followed close behind with a 9.80, placing her third.
Collectively, the Panthers recorded their best team scores on two events, including bars (48.550) and beam (47.825), and tied their season-best overall score of 192.275.
Pittsburgh is 2-1 overall and 1-0 in EAGL competition. The Panthers will travel to Missouri to compete in the annual Cat Classic Feb. 4-5.
