MORGANTOWN, W.V. – The No. 33 Penn State women's gymnastics team fell to West Virginia 195.950-195.325 in the first round of the NCAA Regional on Thursday.
Four Nittany Lions will advance to the next round as individuals, as Cassidy Rushlow will compete in the all-around, Ava Verdeflor and Alissa Bonsall will compete on bars and Melissa Astarita will compete on floor. The group will join Kent State, Michigan and UCLA in Friday's evening session beginning at 7 p.m.
There were several high points for the Nittany Lions on Thursday, specifically on bars where the team capped off a strong season on the apparatus with a 49.125 score. The trio of Alissa Bonsall, Bella Romagnano and Ava Verdeflor shared the event victory with matching 9.850 scores.
Five Nittany Lions claimed shares of event victories on the day, as Bonsall, Romagnano and Verdeflor were joined by Cassidy Rushlow and Maggie Ayers who scored 9.800 on vault.
With Penn State leading at the midway point of the meet, the Mountaineers made their stand on floor, jumping into the lead with a season high 49.350, ultimately advancing West Virginia to Friday's team sessions.
In her final meet as a Nittany Lion, senior Erynne Allen closed out her collegiate career with a strong 9.800 score on floor. Allen ends her senior campaign as a consistent contributor to the Penn State lineup, competing on floor in all 11 meets for Penn State this season.
Fellow senior Ava Verdeflor will have the chance to continue her final season on Friday by advancing to the NCAA Championship later this month.
Friday's second session can be streamed live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m.
FROM THE SOURCE: Head Coach Sarah Brown
"It's been a challenging year. Since the shut down in March of 2020, we've been spinning trying to keep everyone together, balancing waiting with preparation and developing a young team to compete in the biggest arenas. We have overcome injuries, COVID-19 protocols and many other obstacles.
This team is young and full of talent. Today, it just wasn't enough for the win. I know this will be motivating for the future, but the individuals that will advance to tomorrow's competition will represent Penn State with poise, passion and positive energy. They have worked so hard to be a part of this post-season and they have high expectations for tomorrow's meet.
I wont lie, I cried so hard after Erynne's floor routine. That girl has given us all that she has. She LOVES this team and this sport. I am so proud of the beautiful person she is. She has taught me so much since transferring to Penn State three years ago. We were so lucky to have her back for a fifth season this year and we are all better because of her."