Gymnastics Falls to No. 18 Denver
February 13, 2015 10:16 PM | General
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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University gymnastics team came up short against No. 18 Denver tonight, falling 195.425-194.6, at the WVU Coliseum.
The Mountaineers (6-6-1, 0-0-1) had several bright spots despite the defeat, including individual victories for senior Dayah Haley and sophomore Alexa Goldberg on floor and vault, respectively.
“Overall, I thought that this was the team’s best performance of the year,” said Mountaineer coach Jason Butts. “There were some hiccups here and there, but the team had a great attitude throughout. This was a short turnaround for us, but I was happy with the energy they all displayed.
“Our fans were just awesome tonight, too. We all appreciated their support, especially on the Friday of Valentine’s Day weekend. Their loud cheers kept us motivated.”
WVU fell behind early, scoring 48.675 on vault to DU’s 48.8 on bars. Junior Jaida Lawrence paced the team on vault with a second place, 9.85 showing. Freshman Zaakira Muhammad preceded Lawrence in the lineup and finished tied for third with a 9.825 score; the mark was her fourth 9.825+ vault score of the year. Sophomore Nicolette Swoboda finished third on the team with a 9.725.
“Jaida and Zaakira had great vaults tonight – they’re really dependable on that event,” Butts said.
The Mountaineers scored a season-high 48.675 on bars in the second rotation, but the mark was not enough to catch the Pioneers (7-3, 2-1 Mountain Rim), as they tallied 49.05 on vault and continued to lead, 97.85-97.35.
Goldberg won her fourth bars title of the year with a 9.875 score, a season-high mark she previously earned at Ohio State on January 17. Muhammad finished second on the team, fourth overall, with a 9.75, while junior Lindsey Litten tallied 9.7.
“It was great to see Alexa come back from a week off with a winning routine,” said Butts.
Despite hitting six-for-six on beam for the fifth time this season, the Mountaineers were awarded a team total of 48.25 in the third rotation. DU put together a 49.075 score on floor and pushed its advantage to 146.925-145.6.
Freshman Jordan Gillette hit a career-high 9.775 for the second straight week and finished second overall. Senior Beth Deal anchored with a 9.65, good enough for sixth place, while sophomore Mackenzie Myers finished with a season-high 9.625.
“Jordan continues to surprise us on beam,” said Butts. “She’s really doing a phenomenal job so far this year.”
Undeterred, the Mountaineers closed the meet strong, earning 49.0 on floor, their third straight score of 49.0 or better on the event. The Pioneers closed with a 48.5 showing on beam.
Haley anchored the team’s floor lineup with a winning 9.875 routine, earning her third floor victory in as many weeks. Junior Melissa Idell preceded her in the lineup with a third place, 9.85 showing, while Goldberg scored a season-high 9.8 and finished sixth.
“Our floor lineup continues to impress,” Butts concluded. “For Dayah and Melissa to end a frustrating night, score wise, on such a high note, was a huge pick-me-up for this team.”
In just her second career all-around appearance, Goldberg scored 38.775 and finished second overall. DU’s Katie Menhinick won the all-around with a 38.875 mark.
With tonight’s result, the all-time series now stands at 4-4.
The Mountaineers stay at the Coliseum next weekend and play host to No. 25 New Hampshire, Maryland and Rutgers in the third annual “Wendy M. Roach Invitational” on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. It’s a “Pink Meet” to promote breast cancer awareness, and all fans are encouraged to wear pink. The team will accept sundry item donations for Morgantown’s Betty Puskar Breast Care Center. Additionally, the first 500 fans will receive a pink rally towel, courtesy of WVU Healthcare.
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