RALEIGH, N.C. – Rutgers gymnastics scored a 196.225 for its fourth-highest score in program history in a dual meet at NC State on Saturday. The Scarlet Knights' third 196+ of the season was powered by a 49.400 on floor (second-highest in school history) and a 49.150 on bars (fourth-highest in school history), and by senior Hannah Joyner, who led Rutgers in all four events and scored a 39.500 in the all-around, including a 9.900 on bars and 9.925 on floor.
 
All six floor squad members turned in excellent routines, evidenced by the dropping of Stephanie Zannella's solid leadoff 9.775. Avery Balser (9.825) and Maya Jones (9.850) turned in career-best performances, while Emily Wood matched her career-high 9.900. Emily Leese anchored the crew with a 9.900, following Joyner's huge 9.925.
 
Earlier on bars, another team-wide effort led to the program's fourth-best score in program history. Freshman Valentina Lorente-Garcia's solid 9.750 was dropped in favor of Jordyn Zieden-Weber (9.775), Elia Aird (9.775), Gianna Ortiz's career-high 9.825, Avery Balser (9.875), and Joyner's 9.9.
 
Four beam student-athletes scored 9.8 and above – Emily Leese (9.800), Stephanie Zannella (9.825), Gianna Ortiz (9.850), and Joyner (9.850) – to give Rutgers its third 49+ of the day with a 49.000 on the apparatus.

No. 26 ranked NC State won the dual meet with a score of 197.225.
 
KNIGHT NOTES

• Rutgers' 196.225 is tied for the fourth-highest score in program history. Three of the top four scores in school history have been set this season, the first year with multiple 196+ scores.
• The 49.400 on floor is the second-highest score in program history, only behind the school-record 49.425 set earlier this season on Feb. 11.
• The 49.150 on bars ties for the fourth-best score in program history. Two of the program's top four bar scores have been set in 2023.
• Hannah Joyner has reached 39.500+ three times this season in the all-around. Her two 9.9+'s today give her 36 for her career, extending the program record.
• Emily Wood's career-high tying 9.900 on floor was her third 9.9 of her collegiate career.
• Maya Jones reset her career-best on floor with a 9.850.
• Gianna Ortiz reached a new career-high 9.825 on bars.
• Avery Balser upped her career-high on floor to 9.825.

TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS
Vault: Hannah Joyner, 9.825 (T-2nd)
Bars:  Hannah Joyner, 9.900 (T-1st)
Beam: Hannah Joyner & Gianna Ortiz, 9.850 (T-2nd)
Floor: Hannah Joyner, 9.925
All-Around: Hannah Joyner, 39.500 (2nd)
 
UP NEXT
The Scarlet Knights return home to host Senior Day at Jersey Mike's Arena in a tri-meet against UPenn and West Virginia on Sun., March 12 at 2 p.m.
 
 
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