University of Pittsburgh Athletics
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Ohio State
Pitt Falls to Ohio State in Season Opener
1/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
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PITTSBURGH - Pitt gymnastics fell to Ohio State on Friday night, 194.675-190.825, at the Fitzgerald Field House in both teams' season-opener.
A bright spot for the Panthers in their first meet of the season was senior Lindsay Offutt's beam title (9.825) along with junior Miya Dotson and freshman Taylor Laymon's leading tie score on bars (9.775). Offutt also placed second on floor (9.825) while Maebelle Pacheco finished second overall on vault (9.825).
"It's a start but we have a long way to go," said head coach Debbie Yohman. "It is more important where we end than where we start. We put some successful routines together and now we just have to hit them. From that standpoint, I would have to say this evening was a success."
The Panthers started off the night on the vault, earning their top score of the night from junior Pacheco, who finished second overall with a 9.825. First time competitor Tracey Pearson notched Pitt's second highest score on vault with a 9.750. The team finished the event with a 48.575 and led Ohio State heading into the second rotation.
On the uneven bars in the second rotation, first-timers Dotson and freshman Taylor Laymon took top honors with a 9.775. However, Ohio State placed third through sixth to outscore Pitt on the uneven bars which led to the Panthers falling behind 97.300-95.575 halfway through the meet.
Pitt did well on the balance beam, pulling out the even leader in Offutt (9.825) and the runner-up in Tracey Pearson (9.775). Reichert notched a 9.700 but fell in the standings to seventh. The Panthers' team score on the event 47.675, while Ohio State scored a 48.650.
Pitt wrapped up the evening on floor, finishing the event with another strong showing from Offutt. She placed second in the event with a 9.825.
"It's a great team to work with and the kids respond really well," added Yohman. "We are going to work hard and make magic with a group of kids that maybe didn't have as much talent when we started, but we will end up with it."
The Panthers will continue their season with three consecutive road trips, the first being at George Washington on Jan. 18. The meet is slated to begin at 1 p.m.
For all things Pitt gymnastics follow the team on Twitter at @PittGymnasts and coach Yohman at @PittGymnastics.
