March 28, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Four Maryland gymnasts will compete individually in the 2006 NCAA Regionals at the University of Georgia on April 8. Although the Terps finished the season ranked No. 33 in the country, they did not qualify as a team in the Southeast Region.

Rachel Martinez and Rachel Colon will represent the team in the all-around competition. Martinez is ranked No. 10 and Colon is ranked No. 12 in the Southeast Region. Martinez has competed in all-around in the regionals all four years, while Colon is competing at the regionals for the first time. Colon was selected as an alternate on balance beam last season.

Angie Ferg will make her regional debut on vault. Ferg is ranked No. 17 in the region and is coming off a career-best performance (9.875) at the EAGL Conference Championships. Ferg was also named an alternate on balance beam.

Alex Gatch will represent the Terps on balance beam and is making her fourth appearance at regionals on the event.

These four Maryland gymnasts will try to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Corvallis, Oregon on April 20-22. The top two teams and the top two all-around competitors (who are not on an advancing team) from each regional will receive an automatic berth to the NCAA Championships.