Photo by: Noah Murray
Gymnastics Preview: Uneven Bars
Dec 22 | Women's Gymnastics
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Seniors Libby Groden and Makenzey Shank are expected once again to be key contributors for the Scarlet Knights on uneven bars. The duo was recently named as Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch in the league's preseason release.
The Scarlet Knights scored as high as 48.800 in the event last season and have a mix of returning experience and newcomers who will be pushing for spots in lineup.
Shank was the highest scorer on the team in 2017 with three 9.825 outings to earn a 9.780 Regional Qualifying Score (RQS). Groden, who qualified for NCAA Regionals as an all-arounder, consistently put up at least a 9.700 with that score or better 9-of-13 times.
"We want to see refinement and consistency from meet to meet," head coach Louis Levine said. "To be a great team, we have to have people we can count on for 9.9s and 9.8s each week. That's what you are looking for from anyone in lineup."
Juniors Michelle Amoresano and Eriel Santagado also bring back experience. Santagado has shown improvement in practice after competing on uneven bars four times last season, while Amoresano was in the lineup in all 12 meets with a season-high mark of 9.775.
Continuing to sophomores, Kaitlyn Hall came back from an injury as a rookie and is poised for larger role in 2018. She appeared four times on uneven bars last season, with classmates Erin McLachlan (season high of 9.800 in eight meets) and Polina Poliakova (seven meets) also displaying potential in the offseason after seeing time previously. In addition, sophomore Emma Karas is also in contention, as the Scarlet Knights boast depth and competition.
"We have really strived to work on our consistency and handstands," Levine said. "Handstands are the name of the game on bars. I think we have had a really good fall. There has been competition for spots in lineup and I'm really excited to see how things turn out in the beginning of the season, and throughout."
Sophomore transfers Rachel Ley (Missouri) and Shannon Farrell (Arizona) joined the program and immediately integrated into the lineup conversation. They join freshmen Belle Huang and Toni Williams, who bring their skills to the collegiate level after successful club careers.
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).
The Scarlet Knights scored as high as 48.800 in the event last season and have a mix of returning experience and newcomers who will be pushing for spots in lineup.
Shank was the highest scorer on the team in 2017 with three 9.825 outings to earn a 9.780 Regional Qualifying Score (RQS). Groden, who qualified for NCAA Regionals as an all-arounder, consistently put up at least a 9.700 with that score or better 9-of-13 times.
"We want to see refinement and consistency from meet to meet," head coach Louis Levine said. "To be a great team, we have to have people we can count on for 9.9s and 9.8s each week. That's what you are looking for from anyone in lineup."
Juniors Michelle Amoresano and Eriel Santagado also bring back experience. Santagado has shown improvement in practice after competing on uneven bars four times last season, while Amoresano was in the lineup in all 12 meets with a season-high mark of 9.775.
Continuing to sophomores, Kaitlyn Hall came back from an injury as a rookie and is poised for larger role in 2018. She appeared four times on uneven bars last season, with classmates Erin McLachlan (season high of 9.800 in eight meets) and Polina Poliakova (seven meets) also displaying potential in the offseason after seeing time previously. In addition, sophomore Emma Karas is also in contention, as the Scarlet Knights boast depth and competition.
"We have really strived to work on our consistency and handstands," Levine said. "Handstands are the name of the game on bars. I think we have had a really good fall. There has been competition for spots in lineup and I'm really excited to see how things turn out in the beginning of the season, and throughout."
Sophomore transfers Rachel Ley (Missouri) and Shannon Farrell (Arizona) joined the program and immediately integrated into the lineup conversation. They join freshmen Belle Huang and Toni Williams, who bring their skills to the collegiate level after successful club careers.
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
/ Women's Gymnastics
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