University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
Ball State
Panthers Earn Win in First Meet of the Season
1/9/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 9, 2011
In its first competition of the season, Pitt gymnastics came out on top of Ball State, 192.000-190.475 on Friday night at Fitzgerald Field House. As a team, Pitt earned the nod in all four events.
"It was the most fun we've had here to start a season," said Pitt coach Debbie Yohman, who is now in her 25th season as head coach of the Panthers. "Everyone did a nice job, and it's great when they know they can go out there and succeed."
Pitt junior Alicia Talucci finished with top scores in two events -- including a meet-high 9.700 on balance beam and a three-way tie for first on the vault -- while Molly Moyer earned the all-around title with a total school of 38.200. Moyer, Talucci and Ball State's Nicole Allen finished in a three-way tie for first with scores of 9.700 on vault.
"Molly had never competed in the all-around before," Yohman said. "But she's learned to enjoy each meet in which she competes and it's amazing to see what happens when you love what you do."
Freshman Brittney Harris earned a top score on uneven parallel bars with a mark of 9.775 in her first collegiate performance, as Pitt gymnasts held the top six scores in that category. During the third rotation, junior Lisa Taylor added to Pitt's night by notching a career-high on beam with a score of 9.600.
Following the first rotation, Pitt held a 48.00-47.650 lead and never trailed from there, finishing strong with floor performances from Moyer and Mallory Brewer, who each finished top-three in that event. Pitt returns to action Sunday afternoon, Jan. 16 against Michigan State at Fitzgerald Field House. The meet will begin at 1 p.m.
