BOSTON – The Maryland gymnastics team earned a 196.150 in the first competition of the season giving them the best start in program history. The Terrapins earned first place over George Washington (193.775) and West Chester (193. 250). 

Three freshmen competed for the Terps tallying seven total routines. Maryland also earned their highest team vault score since 2018 (49.2) led by sophomore Alexsis Rubio who shattered her career-best score (9.875). 

"It's the best start in program history, you can't overstate it enough," said head coach Brett Nelligan. "I'm really proud of this team and what they were able to do tonight and the way they were able to kick off the season. It's incredible."

The Terps swept the awards category, taking home, or tied for first in all four events as well as the all-around.

Maryland started the meet on bars, led off by freshmen Aleka Tsiknias who earned a steady 9.750 for the Terps. Seniors Tiara Wright and Alecia Farina both performed beautiful routines earning 9.825s, anchored by junior Audrey Barber's 9.850. After the first rotation the Terrapins led with a score of 49.075.

The GymTerps took to beam led off by yet another impressive freshmen in Reese McClure. McClure earned a 9.825, making her first ever collegiate routine a memorable one. Wright and Barber carried the tail end of the beam team with 9.850s respectively to give Maryland a 49.025 in the event. 

The Terrapins moved to floor where a three-way tie for first place took place between Barber, McClure and junior Sabriyya Rouse. All three gymnats hit their routines to earn top honors from the judges. 

Maryland saved their best event of the evening for last, earning the high score of 49.200 in the event. McClure once again led off giving the Terrapins a strong start with her 9.825. She was followed by fellow freshman Emma Silberman who impressed judges with a 9.825 of her own. The two young freshmen were only bested by their own teammates, Rubio and Farina who earned 9.875s. 

"I was so excited to start the team off strong," said McClure. "I intend to build off of tonight and keep the energy going into our next home meet against Iowa."

Top Terps:
Vault: 9.875 – Farina, Rubio
Bars: 9.850 – Barber
Beam: 9.850 – Barber, Wright
Floor: 9.825 – Barber, McClure, Rouse

Maryland will return home to the XFINITY Center at noon on Sunday, January 19 to host Big Ten foe, Iowa. The meet will be available to stream on BTN+.