Rutgers University
Nebraska/Brown/West Chester
Strong Finish Propels Gymnastics
Jan 21 | Women's Gymnastics
| Meet Results | |
| Nebraska | 196.050 |
| Rutgers | 194.200 |
| Brown | 190.650 |
| West Chester | 190.475 |
| Rutgers Event Scores | |
| Vault | 48.525 |
| Uneven Bars | 48.050 |
| Balance Beam | 48.800 |
| Floor Exercise | 48.825 |
| Rutgers Leaders | ||
| All-Around | Groden | 38.925 |
| Vault | Amoresano | 9.750 |
| Uneven Bars | Baker | 9.775 |
| Balance Beam | Jones | 9.875 |
| Floor Exercise | Groden | 9.800 |
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - In front of a sold-out crowd at the Livingston Gym, Rutgers gymnastics reached a season-high mark on three events, including the final two rotations, to pick up a 194.200 Saturday night. The Scarlet Knights placed second in the quad meet ahead of Brown (190.650) and West Chester (190.475), and behind No. 10 Nebraska (196.050).
"We talked about positivity every day this week," head coach Louis Levine said. "Practices improved and that carried into the meet. I thought we stepped up and improved in all four events. The performances were a step up to the level to where we want to be. I'm proud of the strong finish on beam and floor."
RU closed the night with a flurry of high scores, notching with a 48.800 on balance beam in the third rotation. Senior Claire Jones placed first in the quad meet with a 9.875 to tie her career high previously set March 1, 2014. It was the first event title for a Scarlet Knight this season. Junior Makenzey Shank followed the performance with a 9.850 to sit tied for second on the night, as senior April Baker had a 9.775 and junior Libby Groden contributed a 9.700 to raise the team score.
The momentum continued on to floor exercise with a 48.825, the top mark by Rutgers in the meet. Sophomore Jenna Rizkalla shined with a career-high 9.825 to highlight the effort in her third collegiate meet. Groden also cleared the 9.800 hurdle with a routine of exactly the number, while Jones put up a 9.775 and junior Jenna Crisalli garnered a 9.750 in the season debut for both in the floor lineup.
Starting off on vault, the Scarlet Knights had three scores over 9.700 to pick up a 48.525. Sophomore Michelle Amoresano collected a season-high 9.750 to lead the way. In addition, Jones and Groden both recorded a 9.725 to add to the season-high team total.
Baker highlighted the second rotation on uneven bars with a 9.775, her best performance so far this year. Groden added a 9.700 to help the team to a 48.050.
Overall, Groden scored a 38.925 all-around, with four routines of at least 9.700, for her best number in 2017. Jones finished with three marks of 9.725 or higher in as many attempts, including the high-water routine of 9.875 on balance beam.
The crowd of 909 at the Livingston Gym marked the ninth consecutive sellout at the facility.
The Scarlet Knights will return to action next Saturday at 7 p.m. to host Michigan State, Cornell and Ursinus and the RAC. The quad meet has been promoted as "Coach Lou's Luau" with a Hawaiian theme. Tickets are on sale at ScarletKnights.com.
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), Instagram (@rutgersgymnastics) and Snapchat (rutgersgym).
Players Mentioned
