Jan. 9, 2009
Complete Results
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The University of Maryland gymnastics team wasted little time in getting its 2009 season off to a promising start.
During their very first rotation of the 2009 campaign, the Terps' vault squad posted an impressive early-season team score of 48.650, catapulting Maryland to a quick lead in beating Kent State, 191.450 to 188.700, in a dual meet Friday evening in the Comcast Center Pavilion.
Performing on vault for the first time in their respective collegiate careers, junior Michele Brenner and freshman Kyra Phillips appeared more like veterans, as Brenner stuck her first landing and Phillips demonstrated the poise of a more seasoned gymnast. Sophomore Abbey Adams added a career-best vault score of 9.800 to help propel Maryland to an early advantage it would maintain throughout the meet.
"Our vault was as good as it could be right now," said head coach Bob Nelligan, who earned his 479th career victory on Friday. "Everyone on that squad came through for us, and it gave us some momentum that we carried through for the rest of the competition."
The Terps finished their season-opening meet nearly as strong as they started, notching a cumulative floor exercise mark of 48.325, as Brenner concluded the meet's final rotation with winning score of 9.825 on floor exercise.
Brandi George won on the balance beam with a score of 9.800. Equally important, however, was the leadership Brenner, George and fellow juniors Candice King, Margaux Meeks and Talia Tossone provided their coach.
"I was impressed with everyone, but especially with my junior class," Nelligan said. "I felt like I had a mature team out there. They didn't have to be perfect, but when they had a chance to shine, they did."
Adams, who finished second overall on vault and floor exercise and third on uneven bars, claimed the all-around title against the Golden Flashes with a career-high score of 38.550.
The Terps, who received votes in the 2009 Preseason Coaches' Poll, improved to 22-12 (.647) all-time in season-openers, having now won three of their last four. They return to action on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they take on 21st-ranked Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio.
