COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No. 28 Penn State women's gymnastics team tallied a 195.150, but dropped a tight meet against No. 26 Ohio State (195.350) on Friday night. For the second straight week, Penn State competed in a meet that came down to the final routines. The Nittany Lions have a 2-3 mark in Big Ten contests heading into next week's Big Five Meet in Toledo.
Junior Lauren Bridgens won her fourth all-around title of the season, totaling a 39.150. It was her 10th career all-around title and her 22nd career score above a 39.000. Fellow junior Kourtney Chinnery captured the vault title with a season-high 9.825. It was Chinnery's second career vault title and her first this season.
"We started a little tight tonight," said Head Coach Sarah Brown. "But I thought we battled back really well. We finished strong on beam and I'm proud of how consistent Lauren continues to be. Kourtney has been strong for us all season and I'm proud of her for the win on vault. We've had two tough road meets but we're looking forward to being on podium at the Big Five meet in Toledo."
Penn State began the evening on bars with a 48.775. Bridgens and freshman Cassidy Rushlow tied for the team high with a 9.825, tying for second. Senior Tess McCracken notched a 9.775, while Chinnery and junior Ava Verdeflor both scored a 9.675. Junior Alissa Bonsall registered a 9.075.
The Buckeyes tallied a 49.050 on bars. Sophomore Colby Miller won the event with a 9.900. Nevin Adamski, Olivia Aepli and Zoe Schweitzer all tied for second place with a 9.825.
The Nittany Lions secured a 48.850 on vault, led by Chinnery's season-high 9.825. Senior Erynne Allen garnered a career-high 9.800. Bonsall matched Allen with a 9.800 to tie for third overall. Bridgens collected a 9.725. Freshman Amy Bladon registered a 9.700, while Rushlow recorded a 9.650.
Ohio State notched a 48.750 on vault. Freshman Raina Malas tied Chinnery for the event title with a 9.825.
The blue and white moved on to floor, where they recorded a 48.675. Bridgens closed out the rotation with a team-high 9.850. McCracken and fellow senior Kristen Politz each tallied a 9.775. Sophomore Melissa Astarita collected a 9.650, while Rushlow had a 9.625. Bonsall scored an 8.750.
The Buckeyes earned a season-high 49.425 on floor. Junior Danica Abanto and freshman Alexis Hankins shared the event title with a 9.900.
Penn State finished the night with a solid 48.850 on beam. Rushlow secured a team-best 9.800, finishing second overall. Sophomore Jessie Bastardi notched a 9.775, matched by McCracken as both placed third in the event. Bridgens and Verdeflor both recorded a 9.750. Freshman Bella Romagnano tallied a 9.725.
Ohio State recorded a 48.125, paced by freshman Ella Hodges' event-winning 9.825.
The Nittany Lions' Rushlow finished second in all-around with a 38.900.
The Nittany Lions finish their road stretch on Saturday, February 22 at the Big Five Meet in Toledo. Penn State will compete at 7 p.m. against No. 24 Maryland, No. 7 Michigan, No. 32 Michigan State and No. 8 Minnesota.
Penn State has two home meets remaining, a quad meet on February 29 and a meet vs. No. 2 Florida on March 7, both starting at 4 p.m. 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.
NCAA Regional tickets are now available. Penn State is hosting an NCAA Regional on April 2-4, 2020 at Rec Hall. Fans can purchase All-Session Tickets, good for all three days, are $32 for adults, $20 for youth (ages 12 or younger) and $20 for students. Tickets are available at either of the two remaining home meets. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 1-800-NITTANY, visiting the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office or visiting here. For more info on the regional, visit here.
Follow along with the season on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateWomensGymnastics) and Twitter/Instagram (@pennstatewgym).
Junior Kourtney Chinnery won her first vault title of the season