Pitt
Penn State
Panthers Fall to Penn State in Season Opener
1/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 11, 2009
PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh gymnastics team opened its 35th season this weekend, falling to No. 13 Penn State, 194-800-191.675 at Rec Hall.
The Panthers tallied a 48.250 on vault, a 47.375 on bars, a 48.325 on beam and a 47.725 on floor. 13 different Panthers competed on the night, with two freshmen seeing collegiate action for the first time.
“We didn’t start the way we wanted, but compared to last year, our score is an improvement for the season opening meet,” said head coach Debbie Yohman.
The Panthers found the most success on arguably the hardest even on the meet schedule – the balance beam.
“The kids did a good job on the beam tonight, an event that is all about confidence. They did a good job finishing up at a hostile environment after a rough meet.”
Senior Anya Chayka, the defending EAGL beam champion, led Pitt on the night, posting a 9,750, the third highest mark of the meet. Junior Jessica Byich returned to the lineup for the first time since early last year after a season-ending injury, tallying a 9.700 to finish just behind Chayka.
Also returning to the lineup after a season-ending injury in 2008 was junior co-captain Dani Bryan.
“Dani came back with a vengeance tonight, it was really exciting to see her back in action,” said Yohman.
Bryan, the 2007 EAGL vault champion posted team-high marks in two of three events competed in. Her 9.800 on the vault was good for third place while her 9.825 floor routine gave her a second place finish, the highest place for any Panther on the night.
Following close behind on the vault was freshman Alicia Talucci, who notched the fourth highest score of the night at 9.775. Talucci followed up her vault performance with a solid routine on the floor, finishing with a 9.675, the second highest Panther score.
Junior co-captain Alix Croop paced the Panthers on the uneven bars with a 9.750. Bryan followed closely behind Croop with a 9.675. Freshman Amy Varela competed in her first collegiate meet, posting a 9.150 on the bars.
The Panthers push forward next week with their home opener, the Pitt Invitational, Saturday, Jan. 17 at Fitzgerald Field House. EAGL foe New Hampshire joins Bridgeport and Air Force to complete the quad meet that is set for a 7 p.m. start time.
“It’ll be great to be home,” said Yohman.
“I think our kids will be super motivated on our home floor for an EAGL opponent and two other formidable teams. I think we will see a little more fire this week!”
