University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
Michigan State, Western Michigan
Panthers Finish Second in Season Opener
1/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 14, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Panther gymnasts opened their 2006 season with a tri-meet against Michigan State and Western Michigan. Pitt finished second with a score of 190.825, defeating Western Michigan by nearly a point and a half. The team now stands 1-1 on the season.
"It was a very respectable start," said Head Coach Debbie Yohman. "We're very excited, and now we're ready for next weekend." Yohman also said she was impressed with both Jessica Garber's and Anya Chayka's performances on the balance beam and floor exercise. Both competitors helped lead the Panthers on both events.Andrea Arlotta (Cincinnati, Ohio/Northwest) was the Panthers' only all-around competitor, finishing in second with a 38.375. She finished less than two tenths shy of Michigan State's Kristen Coleman.
Choosing to vault conservatively early in the season, Pitt compiled a team score of 47.800. Leading the Panthers was Arlotta with a 9.700 in sixth place. Sophomore Amanda Rushton (Harleysville, Pa./Souderton Area) came in ninth with a 9.600.
The Panthers were more successful on the uneven bars, finishing with a team score of 47.850. Sophomore Samantha DeBone (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield) finished second, tying her career-high with a 9.750. Arlotta finished third with a 9.725.
On the balance beam, Arlotta led the team finishing in second setting a new, personal-best 9.800. Also turning in top performances were Jessica Garber (Manheim, Pa./Lancaster County Day School) with a 9.725 and freshman Anya Chayka (Germantown, Md./Richard Montgomery) with a 9.700.
Pitt has always done well on the floor exercise, and this year looks to keep the tradition going. Junior Robyn Marszalek (Oreland Park, Ill./Carl Sandburg) tied for second with a 9.775. Garber came in fifth with a 9.725, and sophomore Nicole Drane (Mt. Laurel, N.J./Lenape) tied for sixth with a 9.700.
The Panthers will open their home competitive season with a meet on Saturday, January 21 against Rhode Island. The meet is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Fitzgerald Field House.
