Photo by: Rich Graessle
2018 Gymnastics Preview: Vault
Dec 19 | Women's Gymnastics
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Competition for spots in lineup has been spirited for Rutgers gymnastics this fall, especially on vault. The Scarlet Knights have 11 gymnasts in contention for the event with the season approaching.
"We have some great vaulters to push each other," head coach Louis Levine said. "We have shown improvement from last year in intrasquads and are really focusing on the details. I am excited for this group."
Junior Michelle Amoresano and sophomore Erin McLachlan return with the leading Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) from last season with a 9.765, while sophomore Chloe DeVries posted a 9.745. Amoresano went as high as 9.875 in a meet.
Senior Libby Groden, who is the most experienced gymnast on the roster with 39 meets over the previous three years, recorded at least a 9.700 in nine of her last 11 meets in 2017. That included a 9.750 at NCAA Regionals in West Virginia. Juniors Riahanah Ali (career-high of 9.825) and Jenna Rizkalla also saw action in the event last season.
"Everyone is different technically, but you want to focus on the landings," Levine said. "That plays such a large role in how you finish things. You want to be consistent and concentrate on the little things."
Sophomore Kaitlyn Hall has impressed in practices and is in contention after competing only uneven bars as a rookie. Classmate Emma Karas is also pushing for a spot.
Among the talented group of newcomers, freshmen Sophia Atienza, Belle Huang and Toni Williams have all adjusted to the collegiate level and are looking to make an early impact.
"Vault is a mix of all the classes," Levine said. "You have a senior in there, a couple juniors and bunch of underclassmen. I think it is a good mix of experience with some new life in the program. We are eager to get out there and show off some of our vaults."
The Scarlet Knights open the campaign on Jan. 6 at Arizona in a quad meet before heading back to the Livingston Gym on Jan. 13 to take on Illinois, Yale and Southern Connecticut. RU will host four meets overall, including the Big Five Meet at the RAC on March 17. Season tickets can be purchased for $25 by calling 1-866-445-GORU (4678) or by clicking here.
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).
"We have some great vaulters to push each other," head coach Louis Levine said. "We have shown improvement from last year in intrasquads and are really focusing on the details. I am excited for this group."
Junior Michelle Amoresano and sophomore Erin McLachlan return with the leading Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) from last season with a 9.765, while sophomore Chloe DeVries posted a 9.745. Amoresano went as high as 9.875 in a meet.
Senior Libby Groden, who is the most experienced gymnast on the roster with 39 meets over the previous three years, recorded at least a 9.700 in nine of her last 11 meets in 2017. That included a 9.750 at NCAA Regionals in West Virginia. Juniors Riahanah Ali (career-high of 9.825) and Jenna Rizkalla also saw action in the event last season.
"Everyone is different technically, but you want to focus on the landings," Levine said. "That plays such a large role in how you finish things. You want to be consistent and concentrate on the little things."
Sophomore Kaitlyn Hall has impressed in practices and is in contention after competing only uneven bars as a rookie. Classmate Emma Karas is also pushing for a spot.
Among the talented group of newcomers, freshmen Sophia Atienza, Belle Huang and Toni Williams have all adjusted to the collegiate level and are looking to make an early impact.
"Vault is a mix of all the classes," Levine said. "You have a senior in there, a couple juniors and bunch of underclassmen. I think it is a good mix of experience with some new life in the program. We are eager to get out there and show off some of our vaults."
The Scarlet Knights open the campaign on Jan. 6 at Arizona in a quad meet before heading back to the Livingston Gym on Jan. 13 to take on Illinois, Yale and Southern Connecticut. RU will host four meets overall, including the Big Five Meet at the RAC on March 17. Season tickets can be purchased for $25 by calling 1-866-445-GORU (4678) or by clicking here.
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).
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/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
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/ Women's Gymnastics
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