Panthers fall to No. 16 PSU

The largest gymnastics crowd in Fitzgerald Field House history came together last Saturday to… The largest gymnastics crowd in Fitzgerald Field House history came together last Saturday to cheer on the Panthers in their final meet of the regular season.

Unfortunately, the Panthers (11-10 overall, 3-6 East Atlantic Gymnastics League) were not able to overcome No. 16-ranked Penn State (10-5 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) as they fell for just the second time at home this season. Pitt finished with a team score of 189.750, while Penn State took first with a 196.400.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t give them a better show,” head coach Debbie Yohman said. “The crowd was very supportive and if we can keep people in the stands like that it would be great.”

The Panthers were at a disadvantage because of some injuries to key gymnasts. This meant that a few fresh faces were representing Pitt.

“Nicole Drane was out on beam because she hit her foot last week at WVU, and Andrea Arlotta was out of the lineup completely because of her foot injury as well,” Yohman said. “So we altered the lineup and went with only five on bars. Melissa Davidson stepped in again this week on vault and Victoria McGuigan-Carl got back in the lineup on floor after missing for a while. We also put two new kids on beam, Jess Garber and Andrea Konesky.”

Before competition began, Pitt seniors April Pearson and Lindsay Swan were honored for their valuable contributions to the Pitt gymnastics program over the years. Pearson, who is co-captain, specializes in the vault and uneven bars. Swan, the team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, is also an uneven bar specialist. However, she was unable to perform because of an injury she sustained at the Missouri Cat Classic.

“Unfortunately, Lindsay was injured and unable to compete in her final meet. Up until when she got hurt she never missed a meet at Pitt in her whole career. We are going to miss her on bars,” Yohman said. “As for April, she really got herself in shape and is having her best season. She is stronger on bars then all three years prior put together and does good on vault when we need it. She finished up really strong.”

After recognizing the seniors, Pitt opened up the meet on the vault with a score of 47.625. Freshman Victoria McGuigan-Carl pulled through for her team to lead them with a score of 9.750 to tie her for second place. Sophomore Amanda Rushton was the next closest Panther in sixth place with a score of 9.725.

Next, Pitt was only able to compete with five gymnasts on the uneven bars because of the injuries and changes in the lineup. This meant all scores had to be counted, and they could muster just a 47.025 score. Freshman Alix Croop achieved a career high of 9.825 in her routine, which put her in fifth place. Behind her was sophomore teammate Samantha DeBone, who placed seventh at 9.800. Following DeBone was Pearson in eighth with a 9.700 mark.

On the balance beam, Pitt managed a 47.925 total. Junior Jessica Garber’s 9.700 effort put her in sixth place. Right behind Garber was sophomore Cassie Minick with a season-high 9.675. Competing in her first collegiate competition was freshman Andrea Konesky, who scored a 9.575 for eighth place.

“The whole beam lineup did a tremendous job,” Yohman said.

Pitt wrapped up the competition on the floor exercise with a 47.175 effort. Garber proved to be a leader yet again, when she tied for third with a season-high 9.825. Freshman Anya Chayka came in eighth place with a 9.675 career high. Following Chayka was junior Robyn Marszalek in ninth at 9.650.

In the absence of Arlotta, the team’s top all-around performer, Pitt did not enter any all-around competitors in the event. Penn State’s Jennifer Orlando did compete, scoring a 39.175.

Next up for the Panthers is the East Atlantic Gymnastic Championships on Saturday, March 25.