UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The No. 31 Penn State women's gymnastics team recorded a 194.000 against No. 10 Nebraska on Thursday night on ESPN2. The Huskers recorded a 195.150 for the meet victory. Penn State set season high team scores on vault and floor, while junior Lauren Bridgens secured a career-high on floor, winning the event title, and a season-high on vault.
"Tonight was a huge learning experience for our team," said Head Coach Sarah Brown. "We fought really hard through three events and opened the door on beam in the final rotation. Unfortunately, we weren't able to cover for those early mistakes in the lineup and came up short. Lauren [Bridgens] and Cassidy [Rushlow] were really strong in the all-around and I continue to be impressed by Kourtney [Chinnery] and Tess's [McCracken] consistency. We're looking forward to a longer training week and being back home in Rec Hall next Saturday."
Penn State collected a 48.975 in its first rotation on bars, winning the event. Juniors Alissa Bonsall and Lauren Bridgens tied for the team-high with a 9.825, securing second-place. Freshman Cassidy Rushlow and junior Ava Verdeflor each garnered a 9.800 to place fourth. Senior Tess McCracken recorded a 9.725, while junior Kourtney Chinnery had a 9.675.
The Huskers tallied a 48.800, paced by Taylor Houchin's event-winning 9.875.
The Nittany Lions secured a season-high 48.825 on vault in the second rotation. Bridgens led the blue and white with a season-best 9.850, placing third overall. Chinnery followed with a 9.775, finishing fifth. Senior Erynne Allen tied a career high with a 9.750 and Rushlow matched that score with her own career-high 9.750. Bonsall collected a 9.700, while freshman Amy Bladon had a 9.525.
Nebraska notched a 49.175 on vault, led by a pair of 9.900's by Houchin and Adnerys De Jesus.
In the third rotation, Penn State registered a season-high 48.775, including three season highs and a career high, on floor. The Nittany Lions were led by Bridgens' career-high 9.925 in the final routine on floor. Bridgens secured the event title. Sophomore Melissa Astarita and Bonsall both secured season highs, each posting a 9.850. McCracken recorded a 9.650, while Rushlow had a 9.500. Allen had a 9.450.
The Huskers collected a 49.400 on floor. Houchin and Kylie Pringer each secured a 9.900.
Penn State finished the night on beam with a 47.425. McCracken led the Nittany Lions with a 9.825, tying for the event title. Rushlow garnered a 9.750. Sophomore Jessie Bastardi registered a 9.625, while Bridgens had a 9.350. Freshman Bella Romagnano recorded an 8.875, while Verdeflor had an 8.450.
Nebraska scored a 47.775 on beam, paced by Sierra Hassel's 9.825.
Bridgens placed second on all-around with a 38.950, while Rushlow finished third with a 38.800. Nebraska's De Jesus won the event title with a 39.075.
The Nittany Lions return to Rec Hall for a Big Ten matchup against No. 35 Iowa on Saturday, January 25. The meet is scheduled for 4 p.m. with a broadcast on Big Ten Network.
Season tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for youth (ages 12 and younger). Single-meet tickets are also available for $8 for adults and $5 for youth. For more info, please visit here, call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office weekdays from 9 a.m-4:30 p.m.
Follow along with the season on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateWomensGymnastics) and Twitter/Instagram (@pennstatewgym).
