Gymnastics remains undefeated in EAGL with weekend win

In a spirited performance, the Terrapin gymnastics team edged EAGL rival Pittsburgh, 194.225-193.600, to grab its second straight road win Saturday.

After sophomore Ally Krikorian fell off the uneven bars early, the No. 33 Terps (7-3, 3-0 EAGL) responded by doing what they've done all season: overcome adversity.

Trailing 48.600-48.575, the squad posted a season-high score of 49.100 on vault to claim the lead in the second rotation. It marked the second time this season the Terps have come from behind on the road.

"Our showing on vault proves that we have all the tools," said freshman Katy Dodds, whose career-high 9.900 vault led the meet. "Vault's usually not our best event, so being able to go out and do well on it shows that we're a complete team."

The squad's efforts seemed in jeopardy, however, when two-time team MVP Abigail Adams fell during floor exercise. Usually the Terps' strongest event, the team ended its third rotation with a season-low score of 40.050 on floor.

"We definitely had some trouble on floor, with some girls making uncharacteristic mistakes," coach Brett Nelligan said yesterday. "But I thought the team did a nice job of putting those mistakes behind them and stepping up when it mattered most."

And for the second straight week, it mattered most on balance beam — an event the Terps have struggled to master this season.

Holding on to a narrow 145.725-145.625 advantage, the Terps delivered four scores of 9.700 or better to enter the second half of the season with an undefeated conference record.

Adams and freshman Elizabethe Manzi paced the team's final rotation with scores of 9.875 and 9.825, respectively.

"Anytime you're trying to overcome falls, there's a lot of pressure," Dodds said. "So the fact that they were able to do so well under those circumstances was really impressive."

After solid performances in three consecutive road meets, the Terps will return home Friday to host Penn State, Rutgers and William & Mary.

"We're so excited to get back home," Nelligan said. "Being on the road this long takes a lot out of you."

TERP NOTE: Sophomore Ally Krikorian, who suffered a foot injury before the Terps' Jan. 21 home meet against Ball State and Towson, hopes to compete in all-around Friday. She competed on bars and vault at Pittsburgh.

letourneau@umdbk.com