Feb. 14, 2010

Final Stats

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The Maryland gymnastics team beat EAGL opponent North Carolina Sunday afternoon 194.150 to 193.800 in a dual meet at Carmichael Auditorium. The Terps claimed the vault and beams events to nab the road victory.

"It's always great to go out on the road and go against tough competition like UNC and come out with a win," head coach Brett Nelligan said. "It really feels good and the girls have worked hard. They deserve it."

Three freshmen, Kesley Cofsky, Briana Melander and Brooke Grohol all earned new career highs to help the Terrapins claim the win.

"The freshmen were phenomenal," Nelligan said. "They really stepped up for us today."

Maryland started the meet on bars, where they earned a team score of 48.400 to North Carolina's 48.700. Junior Kaitlyn Joseph earned a new season high score of 9.775 to finish third in the event.

Next, the Terrapins' highest event score was in the vault, where they earned a 48.825 to the Tar Heel's 48.500. Cofsky led the way with a career high of 9.850. Junior Jennifer Iovino also scored a career high with her 9.700 and junior Kyra Phillips tied her career high of 9.800. Cofsky and Phillips finished first and second in the event, respectively.

Then, the Terps moved on to floor, Grohol, competing in her first collegiate meet, scored a 9.800, which tied her for second in the event with teammate Brandi George and two Tar Heels. It was in in this event where the Terrapins took the lead for good. They earned their highest team floor score of the season with a 48.800.

"For Brooke, her first time in the lineup, to come out and hit that 9.800 routine, was so great to see," Nelligan said.

The Terps finished the day on balance beam, where they earned a 48.125. The Terrapins were led by Melander and senior Talia Tossone with scores of 9.800. They tied for second in the event.

While it was a strong day overall, the Terps still have plans to hit the gym harder.

"We did well, but we have room to improve, so that's a good sign that in the middle of our season, we haven't peaked yet," Nelligan said.

The Terps will host a quad meet next weekend with George Washington, Pittsburgh and William & Mary Sunday at 2 p.m.