Jan. 8, 2011

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland gymnastics team heads west this weekend to take on the Kent State Golden Flashes in its season-opening meet Sunday afternoon. The event will take place at 1 p.m. (ET) in Kent State's MAC Center main gymnasium.

"We're excited to open up the season this weekend at Kent State," said second-year head coach Brett Nelligan. "I'm anxious to see how we stack up against a very good Mid-American Conference team."

In 2010, Nelligan and the Terps finished 17-14, with their first winning record since 2006, when Nelligan's father, Bob, coached the team and Brett was an assistant coach.

Maryland boasts a number of talented gymnasts including senior and team MVP Abigail Adams. In 2010, Adams was named to three of out five All-EAGL first teams, for her bars, floor and all-around performances.

The Golden Flashes finished 2009-10 as the MAC runners-up and NCAA qualifiers in the Morgantown region.

Maryland trails Kent State, 2-3, in the all-time series. Last season, the teams split wins, each winning at their home meets.

-ES-