LINCOLN, Neb. – The Maryland gymnastics team finished Saturday's Big Five meet strong, tallying a team total of 194.875. The Terps placed fifth and will compete in the morning session of next week's Big Ten Championships.

Illinois (196.050) claimed the meet, with Nebraska (196.000) placing second. Ohio State (195.250) followed behind in third, while Michigan State (195.250) and Maryland (194.875) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

“I was really proud our team,” head coach Brett Nelligan said post-meet, “I know this was not the outcome that we were looking for, but in a tough arena and with a great crowd, we know this experience will benefit us in the future.”

With five teams competing in the meet, Maryland started out on a bye. In the second rotation the GymTerps struggled, racking a 48.500 on floor. Stephanie Giameo and Ebony Walters tied for eighth individually with a pair of 9.750 scores. Dominiquea Trotter (9.675), Karen Tang (9.675) and Shannon Skochko (9.650) also added solid scores.

The team moved to vault, tallying a 48.950. Skochko tied for fifth individually on the apparatus with a team-high 9.850. Kathy Tang (9.800), Abbie Epperson (9.775) and Katy Dodd (9.775) all added high scores. Both Karen Tang and Dominiquea Trotter posted 9.725 on the event as well.

In the fourth rotation, the Terrapins posted a 48.675 on bars. Karen Tang led the way with a 9.800. The score was good enough for ninth individually. Sarah Faller (9.750), Epperson (9.725) and Kathy Tang (9.725) contributed as well.

In the final rotation, beam, Maryland rebounded, racking a 48.750. Leah Slobodin tallied a 9.825, while Giameo added a 9.800. Trotter (9.775), Faller (9.750) and Skochko (9.600) counted scores as well.

Next up, the GymTerps will travel to Ann Arbor, Mich. on Saturday for the Big Ten Championship. The Terps will compete in the morning session at 11:30 ET. Tickets for the championship can be purchased HERE.

-Maryland-