Jan. 6, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Gymnastics team will open the 2006 season at home Saturday, when they host the James Madison Dukes in the Comcast Pavilion at 4p.m.

Head Coach Bob Nelligan (28th season) will have a veteran squad returning this year. The Terps return 11 letterwinners this season. Senior Tri-Captains Rachel Martinez (all-around), Alex Gatch (balance beam) and Rebecca Ruppert (vault) will lead the squad. Mandy Pascual, a redshirt senior and uneven bars specialist will also provide leadership.

Juniors Ginny Scott (uneven bars & floor exercise), Rachel Colon (uneven bars & balance beam) Angie Ferg (vault, balance beam & floor exercise) and Ashley LeVine (beam) will provide depth and consistency to the team.

The sophomore class should provide excitement to the squad. Lindsey Bonomo (vault) Gretchen Kittelberger (all-around) and Morgan Fishbein (balance beam, floor exercise) will add experience to the team.

The Terps add three freshmen this season, Kim Loew (Allentown, Pa.), Lindsey Willner (Holbrook, NY) and Kelsey Nelligan (College Park, Md.). Loew should see action on several events this season, including balance beam. Willner and Nelligan will look to break into the lineup as well.

Admission is free to the public and the team will autograph posters after the meet. There is also a possibility of a surprise appearance by three-time Olympic Gymnast, Dominique Dawes.