Jan. 28, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, MD. - The Maryland Gymnastics team will travel to No. 19 Penn State Saturday at 2p.m. The Terps are coming off an impressive home opener, beating Towson, 193.525-191.425.

Juniors Rachel Martinez and Alex Gatch led the Terps to victory over the Towson Tigers. Martinez finished first on floor exercise with a 9.825 and first in all-around with a 38.900. Gatch led the squad on balance beam with a 9.80.

The Terps head into the fourth week of the season with the highest average (193.017) in the EAGL Conference. Maryland ranks 20th nationally on balance beam, 27th on floor exercise and all-around, 28th on uneven bars and 34th on vault.

Senior Mandy Pascual has been excellent on uneven bars, scoring a 9.750 or better in the first three meets. Sophomore Angie Ferg has been a consistent performer for the team on vault, balance beam and floor exercise and continues to improve with more experience.

Redshirt sophomore Ginny Scott has helped lead the team on floor exercise, scoring a 9.725 or better in every meet this season.

Freshmen Gretchen Kittelberger and Lindsey Bonomo have been solid contributors for the squad. Bonomo earned EAGL Rookie of the Week honors for her 9.80 vault at Ohio State. Kittelberger has been consistent on vault, scoring a 9.700 or better in every meet.

Maryland will take on a No. 19 Penn State team that is coming off a tough loss to No. 3 Michigan, 196.075-194.550 but scored the highest meet total of the season.

Looking at the Competition:

Penn State Nittany Lions

Lisa Clark