MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – For the first time in program history, a winner was not declared at the West Virginia University gymnastics team’s Fall Classic, as the Pilgrim and Turkey teams were credited with an equal amount of hit routines.

 

Competing in front of a crowd of more than 100 fans inside Cary Gym on Nov. 16, the Mountaineers were split into two teams.

 

The Pilgrim squad featured four gymnasts who competed in the all-around: junior Robyn Bernard, sophomore Kirah Koshinski and freshmen Chloe Cluchey and Julia Merwin. Junior Jordan Gillette also competed for the Pilgrims.

 

On the Turkey side, senior Alexa Goldberg, junior Zaakira Muhammad and freshman Abby Kaufman competed in the all-around. Sophomores Kelsey Sorrenson and Carly Galpin, as well as freshman Kassidy Cumber, also were featured.

 

“I think the fact that we ended in a tie speaks to the consistency present throughout the team right now,” sixth-year coach Jason Butts said. “Both teams did an incredible job and showed strength and consistency from start to finish. The coaching staff is very impressed with where this squad stands right now. We’re confident in the team’s depth this season and in our ability to put forth solid lineups come January.”

 

The Mountaineers competed nine vaults, with Koshinski and Muhammad earning praise from Butts, as well as Cluchey.

 

“Chloe is just a freshman, but her vault is huge,” he added.

 

The Mountaineers hit nine-for-nine on the uneven bars.

 

“I was really happy to not see a fall on bars,” Butts said. “As always, Alexa looked awesome. Zaakira competed a full-twisting double layout and did an incredible job with the new dismount.”

 

Ten Mountaineers competed on beam, with only one fall.

 

“There were bobbles here and there, but overall I thought beam looked incredible,” Butts enthused. “Zaakira and Robyn really stood out on this event. Alexa opened the rotation for the Turkey Team, and I thought she showed a lot of leadership in that position.”

 

Deepest on floor, the Mountaineers debuted 11 new routines.

 

“Floor is a fun event for us this year – there’s a lot of variety in our choreography, and I could tell the fans were all enjoying the routines,” Butts explained. “Zaakira’s routine is mesmerizing, and she really played up to the crowd. Kirah did awesome, and Kassidy had a great routine. Chloe’s routine is beautiful, and she’s a great performer.”  

 

The Mountaineers will continue their preseason training throughout the next six weeks. WVU opens the 2017 season at Maryland on Sunday, Jan. 8, at 1 p.m., at the XFINITY Center, in College Park, Maryland.