PISCATAWAY, N.J. –  Rutgers gymnastics recorded its third-best team vault score in program history to highlight its 2022 home opener at Jersey Mike's Arena. The Scarlet Knights posted three scores of 9.850 to lift the vault score to 49.150, contributing to an overall score of 194.550.

RU posted a total of nine top three finishes and a number of career-highs, as senior Belle Huang led the way with a first-place finish and career-best 9.950 on floor. Rutgers finished second in the meet ahead of North Carolina (194.225) and New Hampshire (193.625), while No. 21 NC State took the top spot (195.125). 
 

STRONG ON VAULT

Rutgers opened the meet strong on vault with a team score of 49.150, the third-best mark in the event in program history. Senior Mia Betancourt, fifth-year senior Belle Huang and junior Hannah Joyner all notched marks of 9.850, tying for third in the event. It marked a career best for Betancourt. Sophomore Emily Leese posted a 9.825, while freshman Isabella Hughes added a 9.775.  

Strong start on vault for #RUGYM‼️ Watch Mia Betancourt post a career-high 9.850 as the Scarlet Knights post the third best team vault score in program history with a 49.150! pic.twitter.com/r22cov17xM

— Rutgers Gymnastics (@RUGymnastics) January 15, 2022

TOP THREE FINISHERS

Rutgers swept the top three spots on floor, as Huang registered a 9.950 for a new career best. Joyner followed in second with a 9.875, as sophomore Emily Leese followed with a career-best mark of 9.850. On beam, Huang and sophomore Calah Newman each posted a 9.875 to tie for third. It marked a career-high for Newman in the event. Joyner finished third in the all-around with a score of 38.675.

👑Belle Huang registers a career-high 9.950 on floor as #RUGYM ties the fourth best team score in the event with a 49.250! pic.twitter.com/m1MmffG4Sw

— Rutgers Gymnastics (@RUGymnastics) January 15, 2022

 

👑Calah Newman with a career-high 9.875 on beam to tie for the team lead on the event! pic.twitter.com/ktSGEYK7g6

— Rutgers Gymnastics (@RUGymnastics) January 15, 2022

   

COLLEGIATE DEBUTS

Freshmen Elia Aird and Brayden Battavio made their collegiate debuts in the meet for RU. A total of six newcomers have entered the lineups for the Scarlet Knights, including freshmen Isabella Hughes, Maya Jones, and Anna Pagliaro and sophomore transfer Gianna Ortiz.
 

ERIN LYNCH AWARD

In memory of former Rutgers gymnastics letterwinner Erin Lynch Fender, after each home competition a Rutgers gymnast is honored with the Erin Lynch Award for courage and inspiration. Huang was bestowed the award following the meet. 
 

TOP INDIVIDUAL SCORES

VAULT: Mia Betancourt, Hannah Joyner, Belle Huang, 9.850 - Third Place
BARS: Avery Balser, 9.750
BEAM: Calah Newman, Belle Huang, 9.875 - Third Place
FLOOR: Belle Huang, 9.950 - First Place
ALL-AROUND: Hannah Joyner, 38.675 - Third Place
 

👑Avery Balser leads #RUGYM on bars with a 9.750 in our second rotation here at Jersey Mike's Arena! pic.twitter.com/7ttNgbU2AF

— Rutgers Gymnastics (@RUGymnastics) January 15, 2022

TEAM TOTALS

OVERALL: 194.550
VAULT: 49.150
BARS: 47.275
BEAM: 48.875
FLOOR: 49.250
 

UP NEXT

Rutgers travels to Maryland on Saturday, Jan. 22 for a Big Ten matchup. Meet time is set for 12 p.m. ET in College Park.
 

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