MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Pilgrim team defeated the Turkey team, 20-17, at the West Virginia University gymnastics team’s annual Fall Classic, held Nov. 17, inside Cary Gym.

 

The Mountaineers’ lone preseason competition, the squad was split into two, with each hit routine earning one point. The Pilgrim team was led by senior Melissa Idell and also featured juniors Alexa Goldberg and Nicolette Swoboda, sophomore Robyn Bernard and freshmen Sarah Moore, Jaquie Tun, Tiara Wright and Kirah Koshinski.

 

“I was really happy with the day,” said fifth-year coach Jason Butts. “We had one fall from the team, which is great at this point of the season. I was especially pleased to see us hit our beam sets and work through our warmups without stress. I think we’ll reap the benefits of having set warmup routines when we open the season in January.

 

“Overall, I’m really happy with how the competition played out. Having the judges critique us provided an extra level of stress for each of us, and that was great. We also had a fantastic crowd, and they provided a lot of energy and buzz inside the gym. A special thanks to (wrestling coach) Sammie Henson and the Mountaineer wrestlers – it was huge to have them in the gym and supporting us.”

 

Four Mountaineers competed in the all-around Tuesday evening: Goldberg, Koshinski, senior Jaida Lawrence and sophomore Jordan Gillette. Each gymnast went four-for-four.

 

“To hit four-for-four routines in the middle of November is huge,” said Butts.

 

Butts also was pleased with the performances of his six freshmen.

 

“To see each of our freshmen hit in her first pressure-packed situation in front of judges and fans was great,” he said. “I think today will go far in helping those gymnasts gain confidence as they progress into their first collegiate season.”

 

The Mountaineers will continue their preseason training throughout the next two months. WVU opens the 2016 season at Denver, with Southern Utah, on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 8 p.m. ET.