March 10, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Sophomore Rachel Martinez has been named as the EAGL Gymnast of the Week for the week of March 9, as announced by conference officials on Tuesday. The 2003 EAGL all-around champion led the Terps to a pair of impressive performances last week and took first in the all-around in both contests.

She posted a 39.550 in the Terps' win over George Washington on March 3 in College Park, taking first on vault (9.90), bars (9.85) and floor (9.95). Additionally, she placed second on beam (9.85) and aided in the Maryland team score of 195.800.

Maryland set a new team record score of 197.375 in a narrow loss at home to No. 5 Stanford on March 6. Martinez posted a season-best 39.600, tying for first all-around with the Cardinal's Caroline Fluhrer. She took first on floor with another 9.95 and finished third on beam with a 9.90.

This is the third time Martinez has received the weekly honor this season, also earning it for the weeks of Jan. 12 and Feb. 16. This marks the fifth time she has received the honor in two years of collegiate competition.

Ranked as the No. 13 gymnast in the country, Martinez aims for a NCAA Championships berth for herself, but more importantly, for her team. Following the squad's home finale on March 12, she will travel with the rest of the Terps to the EAGL Championships on March 20 to defend her all-around title.