UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The No. 25 Penn State women's gymnastics team earned an impressive 196.225 on Saturday on Senior Day in Rec Hall. The Nittany Lions fell short of No. 2 Florida's 198.100, but earned a season-high 49.325 on beam.
Following the meet, the Nittany Lions honored their three seniors, Erynne Allen, Tess McCracken and Kristen Politz. For her strong efforts in the meet, McCracken earned the Ann Carr Award. The award is given to the gymnast who provides the most inspirational performance at each Penn State home meet. It is named for Ann Carr, the Nittany Lions' two-time National Champion in the all-around. McCracken joined freshman Cassidy Rushlow (vs. West Virginia), junior Lauren Bridgens (vs. Iowa), junior Ava Verdeflor (vs. Rutgers) and sophomore Melissa Astarita (vs. Cornell, NC State and Towson) as Ann Carr Award winners in 2020.
With a 196.225, Penn State collected its fifth 196.000 or better score on the season. The Nittany Lions last had five or more 196.000 scores in a season in 2015.
"We started off the meet a little tight and it was difficult to find a rhythm early," said Head Coach Sarah Brown. "But we really rallied on beam and that carried over to a strong finish on floor. We were happy to send our seniors out on a high note. This was a great opportunity for us to also see what we need to work on for postseason."
Penn State also finished its regular season home schedule with a 196.230 average at home, its highest since the 2015 averaged a 196.235 at Rec Hall.
"We really appreciate the great crowd tonight," said Brown. "We're proud that we could bring in such a great program to Rec Hall and the energy was awesome all night. Having a big score in a meet against a top program shows the progress we've made over the last three seasons."
"We're excited to hit the road for the next two weeks, competing at Arkansas and Big Ten Championships. But we can't wait to be back in Rec Hall for regionals in April."
A major contributor to the Nittany Lions' 196.225 was their 49.325 on beam, the team's highest beam score since a 49.350 at Rutgers in 2019. Penn State was paced by McCracken, who earned a career-high 9.950. That tied Penn State's 10th-highest beam score in program history. McCracken's the first Nittany Lion to record a 9.950 or better on beam since Nicole Medvitz's 9.975 on March 12, 2016 in the Big Five Qualifier.
Florida earned two perfect 10.000 scores on the day. Sophomore Trinity Thomas notched a 10.000 on floor, the first 10.000 on floor at Rec Hall since Nebraska's Emily Wong at the 2014 Big Ten Championships. Rachel Gowey secured a 10.000 on beam, the first 10.000 on beam at Rec Hall since Minnesota's Hanna Nordquist in the 2016 Big Five Qualifier.
The Nittany Lions began the meet on vault, recording a 48.925. Rushlow led the blue and white with a 9.850. Bridgens earned a 9.825, while fellow junior Kourtney Chinnery registered a 9.775. Junior Alissa Bonsall contributed a 9.750 and freshman Amy Bladon secured a 9.725. Allen had a 9.025.
Florida secured a 49.325 on vault. Sierra Alexander won the event with a 9.950. Thomas followed with a 9.900.
Penn State registered a 48.875 in its second rotation on bars. McCracken paced the Nittany Lions with a 9.850, tying her season high. Rushlow notched a 9.825, while Chinnery recorded a 9.750. Bonsall and Verdeflor tied with a 9.725. Bridgens had a 9.025.
The Gators earned a 49.500 on bars, led by 9.950 scores from Savannah Schoenherr and Thomas. Gowey collected a 9.925.
The Nittany Lions tallied a season-high 49.325 on beam, including four athletes setting or tying career highs. McCracken hit another big Senior Day routine, setting a career-high with a 9.950 to finish second overall. Verdeflor also tied a career high, registering a 9.850. Romagnano established a new career best with a 9.825. Sophomore Jessie Bastardi followed with a 9.800. Rushlow recorded a 9.425.
Florida registered a 49.575, led by Gowey's 10.000. Baumann tied with McCracken for second overall with a 9.950.
Penn State concluded the night on floor with a 49.100 on floor, its third straight 49.000 or above on floor. Astarita and McCracken tied for the team lead with scores of 9.850. Bonsall followed with a 9.825 and Politz collected a 9.800. Allen tallied a career high-tying 9.775 and Bridgens had a 9.675.
The Gators notched a 49.700 on floor, led by Thomas' 10.000. Four Gators earned a 9.925 to tie for second overall.
Bridgens finished with a 38.425 in the all-around, placing second to Thomas' 39.525.
Penn State finishes out its regular season schedule next Friday, March 13 at No. 17 Arkansas. The meet is scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET start.
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).
Seniors Kristen Politz, Erynne Allen and Tess McCracken