COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Despite standout performances from junior Sarah Faller and freshman Macey Roberts, the Maryland gymnastics team fell, 194.850-194.425, at XFINITY Center Sunday afternoon.
The meet took place in conjunction with Maryland's second annual “Beauty and the Beast” event with the Maryland wrestling team competing simultaneously against George Mason. The Terps started well on the vault, but a tough beam set proved to be the difference.
“We're loaded with potential, we just have to grow, mature and put it all together,” head coach Brett Nelligan said. “You have to go through it. Sometimes you have to go through these tough meets to know what to do when you're in the situation again. We'll know what to do next time.”
The Terps put down five strong vaults to lead 49.000-48.375 after the first rotation. Faller and junior Emily Brauckmuller notched scores of 9.750 before Roberts set a new personal best with a 9.800. Sophomore Dominquea Trotter notched a 9.825 before senior Kathy Tang put a stamp on the rotation with a 9.875.
Maryland moved to bars for the second rotation and received another solid leadoff routine from Faller who nabbed a 9.700. Freshman Megan McClelland recorded the same score before sophomore Abbie Epperson hit with a 9.725.
Sophomore Evelyn Nee grabbed the Terps' third 9.700 of the rotation followed up by Tang's 9.775 to give the Terps the lead after two rotations. Nee was Maryland's best performer on beam with a 9.800. Trotter's 9.775 represented the home team's second-best beam score, but the Scarlet Knights led the meet heading to the final rotation.
On floor, junior Leah Slobodin led off with a bang, recording a 9.800. After a dip in the next couple routines, Roberts dazzled the crowd with a 9.825 before Tang punctuated the rotation with a 9.800. Rutgers performed well enough on beam to hold off the Terps and take the meet.
An energetic crowd of 2,192 was on hand to witness the event, topping the “Beauty and the Beast” attendance from last season.
“This is awesome,” Nelligan said. “People really look forward to this event. It's so exciting and unique. It's great for the fans and the athletes.”
Maryland returns to action against No. 9 Arkansas on Friday. Action is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., at XFINITY Center.
-Terps-
