Pitt
New Hampshire*, Air Force, Bridgeport
Panthers Finish Second at Pitt Invitational
1/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 17, 2009
PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh gymnastics team marked its 2009 home opener hosting the Pittsburgh Invitational. The Panthers improved on their opening weekend score, posting a 193.025 to finish in second place. EAGL foe New Hampshire took home first with a 194.025.
The University of Bridgeport posted a 188.475 to take third while the Air Force Academy rounded out the competition with a 187.000 for fourth place.
“We almost had it!,” remarked head coach Debbie Yohman following the meet.
“It was close and we could have pulled out the win on our last two events but didn’t close out. I hope the team can see how close we are and be accountable for the small changes we must make to be successful.”
As a team, Pitt (2-2, 0-1 EAGL) posted season-high scores on the vault (48.650) and floor (47.900). The Panthers tallied a 48.375 on the bars and a 48.100 on the beam.
The Panthers started on the vault, where they tallied two of the top three scores. Sophomore Molly Moyer led the Pitt attack, tying her career-high mark of 9.800 to take second place. Joining Moyer in second was junior co-captain Dani Bryan, who tied a season-high mark with her 9.800. Freshman Alicia Talucci tied her season-high score of 9.775, capturing fifth.
Senior co-captain Alix Croop’s 9.800 on the bars was good for second place as well as a season-high score. Senior Victoria McGuigan-Carl notched a career-best 9.725 to tie for fourth while junior Jessica Byich and sophomore Shannon Vafiadou tied for seventh with a 9.625.
On the beam, Croop and Vafiadou both scored career-high marks. Taking third was Croop with a 9.800, while Vafiadou finished sixth with a 9.750. Right behind her was Byich with a 9.725.
Junior Krista Rubini set a personal best on the floor with a 9.775, taking first place honors. Following close behind was Talucci, taking third with a career-high mark of 9.750.
“The EAGL so far this season is an open field, and I truly believe we can be a contender, even if we’re starting out doing it the hard way,” said Yohman.
The Panthers are back in action Friday, Jan. 23, as they travel to Morgantown, West Virginia for a dual meet with border state and EAGL rival West Virginia University. The ‘mat’ edition of the Backyard Brawl is set for an 8 p.m. start in the WVU Coliseum.
Players Mentioned
