Feb. 5, 2010

Stats

PITTSBURGH - The Pitt gymnastic team (3-4, 1-2 EAGL) picked an opportune time to put together its best meet of the season as they earned wins over No. 13 Iowa State, EAGL foe Rutgers and Brockport in a quad meet Friday night.

Pitt scored a season-best 195.175, edging Iowa State (195.125) and defeating Rutgers (189.300) and Brockport (188.350).

"That is the way it is supposed to happen," head coach Debbie Yohman said. "The team knew what it needed to do and did it. Tonight was the boost we needed.

"The starting rotation has really been pushed by the girls behind them all season and that competition has absolutely made us a better team," Yohman continued. "We saw great things from Amy Varela and Lisa Taylor on exhibition and Dani Bryan has become our spiritual leader since she can't compete on everything."

Sophomore Alicia Talucci (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville) again captured the all-around title, scoring a career-high 39.200, and a career high on the floor (9.85).

The Panthers started off the night with a solid performance on vault, scoring a 48.925 and holding the first place spot after one rotation. Senior Dani Bryan (Germantown, Md./Northwest) tallied the top score for the Panthers with a 9.825.

Pitt continued its consistency onto the uneven bars as the Panthers posted a season-high score of 48.725 including personal bests by Meaghan Biros (Chicago, Ill./Mother McAuley) with a 9.775, and Sarah Thompson (Shokan, N.Y./Onteora) with a 9.800. After two rotations, Pitt led with a team score of 97.650.

On beam, Pitt obliterated its season high team score, with a 48.600 on the night. Talucci scored a season high on the beam with a 9.825, while Biros (9.650) and Laura Rigney (Greenwood, Ind./Greenwood) (9.725) each recorded their career high. At the end of three rotations, the Panthers maintained a slight lead with a 146.250 with second place Iowa State holding a 146.075.

In the final rotation of the night, Pitt solidified the win with solid performances from Talucci (9.850) and Shannon Vafiadou (Mahwah, N.J./Mahwah) (9.825). Pitt scored a 48.925 to hold on for the win.

The Panthers return to action Saturday, Feb. 13 for a home meet against Penn State at 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Field House.