Jan. 26, 2007

PITTSBURGH - Coming out of their last competition against Maryland, Michigan State and West Virginia, the Panthers are now 1-1 in the EAGL and 1-2 overall. They will be hosting league opponent New Hampshire (3-2, 3-1 EAGL) and Air Force (0-1) on Saturday, Jan. 27. The meet is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Fitzgerald Field House.

Two Pitt gymnasts turned in solid performances last week on their events. Sophomore Victoria McGuigan-Carl (Reading, Pa./Exeter) took first place on the floor exercise with a 9.800. Her 9.725 on the vault tied her for 10th. Junior Samantha DeBone (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield) tied for third on the balance beam with a 9.750, and she finished seventh on the uneven bars with a 9.725.

The Panthers' two all-arounders had some trouble on the balance beam, but they still turned in several of the night's best routines. Freshman Dani Bryan (Germantown, Md./Northwest) tied for third on the floor exercise with a 9.700, and she also placed fourth on the vault, leading the team with a 9.800. Senior co-captain Andrea Arlotta (Cincinnati, Ohio/Northwest) tied for fourth on the uneven bars with a 9.750.

The Panther's toughest competition this weekend will be EAGL competitor New Hampshire. With a league record of 3-1, three of the Wildcats gymnasts clinched conference weekly awards earlier this season. Justine Turner, a sophomore, received Gymnast of the Week honors for her first-place finishes in the all-around, vault and floor exercise. Freshman Taryn LaFountain was named EAGL Specialist of the Week for her performances on the balance beam and the floor exercise. The Rookie of the Week award went to freshman Diane Grey, who placed second on both the vault and the uneven bars.

The Air Force gymnastics team is looking to restart its season after a loss to No. 17 Denver. Despite the loss, many of the newcomers had a chance to compete at the collegiate level. Freshman Michelle Denise had the best performance individually for the Falcons. She finished sixth on the floor exercise with a 9.300. Emily Darrone, also a freshman, had the Falcon's highest score on the uneven bars, recording a 9.250. Senior Sashonna Iwaniec had the highest mark on the balance beam with a 9.275.