Jan. 4, 2008

PITTSBURGH - The University of Pittsburgh gymnastics team kicked off the 2008 season tonight with its annual Blue and Gold meet. Coach Yohman and her staff separated the squad into two teams that showcased their talents in front of judges and fans for the first time this year.

The competition began on vault, where reigning EAGL champion Dani Bryan (Germantown, Md./Northwest), competing for the Gold team, executed a 10.0 start-value Yurchenko Layout Half and recorded the highest score of the seven competitors. Freshman Molly Moyer (Telford, Pa./Homeschooled) also attempted a 10.0 vault, finishing just behind Bryan with a Yurchenko Layout Full. Fellow freshman Mallory Brewer (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Central Catholic) rounded out the top three with a Yurchenko Layout, giving the Blue team two of the night's top vaulting performances.

After a three and a half minute touch, action resumed on bars. Junior Alix Croop (Allentown, Pa./Bridgeway Academy), a specialist on three events for the Panthers, claimed top honors for the Gold team. Sophomore Jessica Byich (Nicktown, Pa./Bishop Caroll) also posted a solid performance and earned a third-place plaudit from the judges.

On beam, Samantha DeBone (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield), a first team All-EAGL honoree last season, pleased the crowd and the judges with her performance. She was awarded the beam crown for her efforts, bettering eight other contestants. Andrea Konesky (Pittsburgh, Pa./Bishop Canevin), a two-year starter on beam, placed second in the event and Croop took third.

Moyer brought the crowd alive on floor with a beautifully choreographed routine and went on to take the event title for the Blue team. Bryan, a second team All-EAGL selection in the event, finished a close second and Krista Rubini (Newton, Pa./Council Rock North), a vault and floor specialist, grabbed third for the Gold squad.

The Panthers will officially begin their season next weekend when they host Penn State and Kent State on Friday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Field House. A student spirit contest will be held during the meet. The student organization that demonstrates the most school spirit will receive a cash prize.