Jan. 17, 2004

DENVER, Colo -- The University of Maryland women's gymnastics team fell to No. 24 ranked Denver, 195.975-194.650. The Terps ranked 28th in the nation, are 0-3 for the 2004 season. Sophomore Rachel Martinez tied for second in the all-around and floor competition. Junior Mandy Pascual tied for second place on the uneven bars, while sophomore Alexandria Gatch came in second place on the balance beam.

The floor was the Terps' best event on the evening, with three Maryland gymnasts notching a 9.825 or better. Led by Martinez who recorded a 9.850, senior Sarah Hoenig and sophomore Ginny Scott tied for fourth place with a 9.825. Terps' team total on the floor was a 48.925. Denver's Meredith Fricke took the event with a 9.900.

Maryland performed at a high level on the uneven bars as well. Led by Pascual's 9.850, sophomores Kristi Skowronski and Martinez had the second best team score with a 9.775 each. Maryland's team total on the bars was a 48.750. Ashley Shible took the event for the Pioneers with a 9.900.

Sophomore Gatch stepped up on the balance beam competition, notching a 9.825. Gatch, a 2003 second team All-EAGL on the beam, placed second behind Denver's Emily Bankhead's 9.925. Hoenig had the second best team score for the Terps with a 9.750.

On the vault, Martinez led Maryland with a 9.800, followed by Hoenig and freshman Rachel Colon's 9.750. Denver's Heather Huffaker won the vault with the high score of 9.900. Huffaker squeaked past Martinez in the all-around with a 39.250.

Terps will travel to Chapel Hill, N.C. to take on the Tar Heels on Jan. 24. The meet is scheduled for 5 p.m.