Oct. 23, 2009

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland gymnastics team officially released its 2009-10 schedule, head coach Brett Nelligan announced today. This year's slate features six home meets at Comcast Center, beginning with the annual Intrasquad on Sat., Dec. 12, when fans can preview the team for the coming season.

"We're very excited about this year's schedule," Coach Nelligan said. "Our team is a great mix of proven veterans and talented new comers. Facing top opponents from the EAGL, Big 10, and SEC conferences will prepare us well for league and NCAA championships."

Maryland hits the road for two of the first three weeks of the regular season, including a trip to Baton Rouge to face SEC foe Louisiana State on Fri., Jan. 8. The Tigers finished last year ranked No. 5 in the country and feature two student-athletes that finished in the All-Around top five. A home date with Temple on Fri., Jan. 15 is followed by a visit to Morgantown on Sun., Jan. 24, when the Terps will take on EAGL opponents West Virginia and North Carolina State.

Maryland hosts back-to-back home meets to close January and open February. A quad-meet featuring West Virginia, Rutgers and Denver will be held on Sat., Jan. 30. North Carolina and Towson visit Comcast Center for a tri-meet on Fri., Feb. 5.

The Terps will visit Chapel Hill to face North Carolina on Sun., Feb. 14, before returning home for a quad-meet against Pittsburgh, George Washington and William & Mary on Sun., Feb. 21.

Maryland heads North the following three weekends, beginning at New Hampshire on Sat., Feb. 27. Quad meets at Penn State on Sun., Mar. 7 with Michigan and Bridgeport, and at the University of Pennsylvania on Fri, Mar. 12 with Temple and Southern Connecticut, complete the Terrapins' regular season road trips.

Maryland's final home date is a quad meet on Sun., Mar. 20 featuring Auburn, Yale and George Washington. The meet is Senior Day for six Terps: Michele Brenner, Allie Dama, Brandi George, Candice King, Margaux Meeks and Talia Tassone.

"Being one of six seniors and with all 24 routines returning from last year, we are extremely excited for this season and to see all our hard work and dedication pay off," tri-captain Brandi George said.

Maryland finished fourth in the EAGL conference at the end of the regular season last year. Six Terrapins were named to All-EAGL teams for their respective events. Maryland then advanced to NCAA Regional Championships in April for the 19th time in program history.

This year's NCAA Regionals will be held on Sat., Apr. 10. NCAA Championships follow two weeks later from Apr. 22-24.