Jan. 17, 2012

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Following a home-opening win over Pittsburgh, the Maryland gymnastics team will play host to Alaska-Anchorage and Bridgeport Friday at 7 p.m. at Comcast Center.

The Terps (1-2, 1-0 EAGL) debuted at No. 23 in this week's GymInfo national rankings following a 193.850 - 189.650 victory over the Panthers. It is Maryland's highest national ranking since Jan. 9, 2006, when the Terps were ranked 19th.

On vault and bars, Maryland entered the rankings at 25th and 18th, respectively, and is the top-rated team in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League in both events.

Against the Panthers, sophomore Katy Dodds won on vault with a 9.900, which is tied for the sixth-highest score in program history, and placed second on floor. The Gaithersburg, Md., native is tied for 20th nationally on vault.

Sophomore Karen Tang won on bars for the second week in a row tying a personal best with a 9.850. Tang is tied for 15th on bars following her two performances to begin the season.

The Terps won the only meeting with Alaska-Anchorage in 2005 in Hawaii at the Maui Invitational, and are 3-0 all-time against Bridgeport.

Live stats will be available throughout the meet.

Alaska-Anchorage

The Seawolves arrive in College Park after back-to-back victories over SUNY-Cortland. In two meets, Alaska-Anchorage is averaging 188.038 points.

Melissa Doucette and Sariaye Johnson turned in strong performances against SUNY-Cortland. Johnson won top all-around honors with a 37.825 against the Red Dragons to open the season, and won on bars with a 9.700.

Doucette won the all-around in the second meet against SUNY Cortland. Doucette finished with a winning score of 37.975. Doucette leads the team with a 9.750 average on vault.

Bridgeport

The Purple Knights, the three-time USA Gymnastics Women's Collegiate champions, opened the season with a victory over Division III Rhode Island College on Saturday.

Bridgeport was paced by Lissette La Fex who earned a top-2 finish in all three of her events, while Caitlin Perry won top honors on floor and took second place on vault.