Gymnastics finishes regular season undefeated in conference play

At the start of its season, the Terrapin gymnastics team wrote a list of goals on a bulletin board inside its locker room.

After sweeping their home quad meet Sunday, the No. 30 Terps can check one of those goals off their list: For the first time in program history, they finished the regular season undefeated in conference play.

"The fact that they were able to go out and achieve this goal says everything about the character of this team," coach Bob Nelligan said. "This is really a testament to how hard these girls have fought."

The Terps (17-5, 7-0) entered the weekend knowing that, to achieve their goal, they had to beat a tough George Washington team twice and also a North Carolina squad they had barely edged earlier this season.

They bested the conference rival Colonials on Friday, 195.570-193.975, a season-high total that was their third straight team score of 195 or better.

Then, less than 48 hours later, the Terps did it again.

Competing in front of 1,249 red-clad fans inside Comcast Center on Sunday, they topped the Colonials, 194.600-192.275, on Senior Night.

No. 26 Kentucky finished second at 194.200, while North Carolina rounded out the field at 192.200.

"Competing twice in one weekend is never easy," said senior Abigail Adams, who won the All-Around title at her last two regular-season meets. "It requires a ton of energy and it can be hard to stay focused. But I think we were especially energized for Senior Day."

For the second time in three days, the Terps led Sunday's meet throughout the four rotations.

Starting on vault — an event they've come to master in recent weeks — the Terps didn't post a score below 9.725. Their 48.825 on vault was the first of four meet-best scores.

After grabbing four straight scores of 9.700 or better on uneven bars, the Terps relied on their seniors on balance beam.

Kaitlin Joseph started the rotation with a 9.750, Jenn Iovino posted a 9.700 and Adams captured a meet-high 9.825.

"I'm always going to remember our seniors. They're like sisters to me," freshman Katy Dodds said. "It was great to see them do so well in their last home meet."

Finishing on floor exercise for the fifth time this season, the Terps used five straight scores of 9.700 or better to secure the narrow victory over Kentucky. It was the third time this season Nelligan's team has an edged an opponent by less than one-half of a point.

With the EAGL Championships this Saturday at George Washington, the Terps hope they're not done checking goals off their bulletin board.

"So much about this sport is confidence," Nelligan said. "And right now, we don't fear anyone. We feel like we can go into EAGLs and show everyone that we're the best team in the conference."

letourneau@umdbk.com