Groden & Shank Qualify for NCAA Regionals
Mar 26 | Women's Gymnastics
Two Scarlet Knights headed to Penn State
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Seniors Libby Groden (all-around) and Makenzey Shank (balance beam) will both represent Rutgers gymnastics at NCAA Regionals, it was announced Monday. The two Scarlet Knights will head to Penn State to compete on Saturday, April 7 at 4 p.m.
"I am excited for these two seniors to continue their careers in the postseason," head coach Louis Levine said.
Groden is set to become the first RU gymnast to appear at four NCAA Regionals in as many seasons. She earned a 38.850 Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) in six all-around meets as a senior, holding a high of 38.950 at the Big Five meet on March 17. One of 14 national semifinalists for the prestigious AAI Award, Groden holds career highs of 9.875 on floor exercise, 9.875 on balance beam, 9.850 on uneven bars, 9.825 on vault and 39.075 all-around in 47 career outings.
Groden hit all four of the events last season at NCAA Regionals held in West Virginia for a 39.050. She scored best on floor exercise at 9.825.
Shank is set to make her first appearance at the NCAA Regional level and will perform on balance beam. The Arizona native picked up a 9.855 RQS on the event, including a 9.925 on Feb. 24 to tie the school record. The mark had not been achieved since 2004, earning her Big Ten Event Specialist of the Week. She finished the season scoring at least a 9.800 in seven of the last eight meets.
Both Groden and Shank were named Academic All-Big Ten last week. In addition, Rutgers has now sent representatives to NCAA Regionals seven times in as many years under Levine.
Freshmen Belle Huang (all-around, balance beam) and Toni Williams (vault) were selected as alternates to the meet at Penn State. Huang scored a 38.810 RQS after nine all-around competitions as a rookie, while Williams led RU with a 9.780 RQS on vault.
GRODEN NCAA REGIONALS HISTORY
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).
"I am excited for these two seniors to continue their careers in the postseason," head coach Louis Levine said.
Groden is set to become the first RU gymnast to appear at four NCAA Regionals in as many seasons. She earned a 38.850 Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) in six all-around meets as a senior, holding a high of 38.950 at the Big Five meet on March 17. One of 14 national semifinalists for the prestigious AAI Award, Groden holds career highs of 9.875 on floor exercise, 9.875 on balance beam, 9.850 on uneven bars, 9.825 on vault and 39.075 all-around in 47 career outings.
Groden hit all four of the events last season at NCAA Regionals held in West Virginia for a 39.050. She scored best on floor exercise at 9.825.
Shank is set to make her first appearance at the NCAA Regional level and will perform on balance beam. The Arizona native picked up a 9.855 RQS on the event, including a 9.925 on Feb. 24 to tie the school record. The mark had not been achieved since 2004, earning her Big Ten Event Specialist of the Week. She finished the season scoring at least a 9.800 in seven of the last eight meets.
Both Groden and Shank were named Academic All-Big Ten last week. In addition, Rutgers has now sent representatives to NCAA Regionals seven times in as many years under Levine.
Freshmen Belle Huang (all-around, balance beam) and Toni Williams (vault) were selected as alternates to the meet at Penn State. Huang scored a 38.810 RQS after nine all-around competitions as a rookie, while Williams led RU with a 9.780 RQS on vault.
GRODEN NCAA REGIONALS HISTORY
| YEAR | SITE | AA | V | UB | BB | FX |
| 2017 | West Virginia | 39.050 | 9.750 | 9.775 | 9.700 | 9.825 |
| 2016 | Michigan | 39.025 | 9.725 | 9.800 | 9.750 | 9.750 |
| 2015 | West Virginia | 38.850 | 9.625 | 9.675 | 9.800 | 9.750 |
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
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/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
/ Women's Gymnastics
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