Rutgers University
Nebraska
Gymnastics Reaches 193.075 at No. 18 Nebraska
Jan 23 | Women's Gymnastics
LINCOLN, Neb. - Escaping the winter storm that tumbled into New Jersey and the surrounding area, Rutgers gymnastics put up a score of 193.075 Saturday in a meet against No. 18 Nebraska at the Devaney Center. The Cornhuskers won the Big Ten meet with a mark of 195.825 in front of 3,032 fans. It was part of a double dual, as the NU men's gymnastics team hosted Air Force simultaneously.
"There was improvement from last week," head coach Louis Levine said. "I thought vault was the highlight of the day for the team. We need to continue to strive to be better every day and look forward to getting back in the gym to prepare for our meet next week at Michigan State."
The Scarlet Knights started the evening on uneven bars and recorded a season-best 48.150 team score. Both junior Charly Santagado (Celebration, Fla.) and freshman Michelle Amoresano (Whippany, N.J.) led the way with 9.800 marks. For Amoresano, she has increased her number each week from a 9.700 in the season opener. In addition, fifth-year senior Emma Hoffman (Union, N.J.) contributed a season-best 9.775 to the rotation.
Moving to vault in the second rotation, RU kept up its consistency in the event with a 48.750, as five reached at least 9.700. Senior Nicolette Wilson (Toms River, N.J.) paced the lineup with her second 9.800 score in as many weeks, with both Amoresano (career debut in the event) and sophomore Libby Groden (Abbottstown, Pa.) (season-best) closely behind at 9.775. Rounding out the marks, junior Claire Jones (Gaffney, S.C.) and freshman Riahanah Ali (Ann Arbor, Mich.) each notched a 9.700 to help Rutgers score best on vault for the third time in as many meets this season.
Ali (career-best) and Santagado (tied season-best) each totaled a 9.775 on floor exercise to guide the Scarlet Knights to a 48.675. Also factoring in, both Groden (tied season-best) and Stebick earned a 9.725, while Hoffman had a 9.675 and sophomore Ayana Lee (Bridgewater, N.J.) registered a career-high 9.650.
Rutgers finished with a 47.500 on balance beam. Jones made her first official appearance in the event this year and led the team with a 9.775. Additionally, both senior Claudia Salinas (Allendale, N.J.) and sophomore Elizabeth Nand (Hampton, N.J.) collected 9.600 scores.
For Nebraska, Hollie Blanske recorded a 39.500 to win the all-around title.
Rutgers will remain on the road in the Big Ten next Saturday with a 2 p.m. meet at Michigan State. Towson and Pittsburgh will also participate.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding women's gymnastics, follow the program on Twitter (@RUGymnastics), Facebook (/RUGymnastics) and Instagram (@rutgersgymnastics).
Players Mentioned
