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Pitt vs. Penn State and Kent State 1/11/2008

Jan. 10, 2008

After an exciting Blue and Gold intrasquad last week, the Pitt women's gymnastic team is ready for some outside competition. The Panthers open their 2008 season by hosting two non-conference opponents, Penn State and Kent State, on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Field House. The tri-meet will also be the first of the season for both the Nittany Lions and Golden Flashes.

Headlining the Panthers roster this season are sophomore Dani Bryan (Germantown, Md./Northwest) and senior Samantha DeBone (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield). Bryan was crowned as the 2007 EAGL champion on vault, coupling that All-EAGL first team selection with a second team plaudit on floor. DeBone was also honored by the conference in 2007, picking up first team honors for her performance on beam.

Head Coach Debbie Yohman and her squad also welcome three newcomers to this year's team. Molly Moyer (Telford, Pa./Homeschooled), Mallory Brewer (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Central Catholic) and Shannon Vafiadou (Mahwah, N.J./Mahwah). Moyer and Brewer finished second and third, respectively, on vault at the intrasquad and Moyer capped the night with a first place showing on floor.

Penn State enters the 2008 campaign in wake of a 2007 season that produced a 24-5 record and No. 16 ranking.

The Golden Flashes open their season with nine returning letter winners and five newcomers. They are trying to improve on their 11-4 record from the 2007 season.