MORGANTOWN, W.V. – It was a night to remember for Penn State's individual qualifiers on Friday as four Nittnay Lions competed in the second round of the NCAA Morgantown Regional.
The highlight of the night came on bars, where all three of the Nittany Lions competing on the apparatus posted big scores. Senior Alissa Bonsall posted a new career high, claiming a share of the event victory on the night with a 9.950. The score ties Bonsall with BYU's Abby Stainton as the highest scorers from a non-qualifying team. The pair now awaits Saturday's results, as individuals from the two teams that do not advance to the NCAA Championship will have a chance to qualify based on their individual results.
In her final meet as a Nittany Lion, Ava Verdeflor closed out her senior campaign with a strong 9.925 score on bars. It marks the second highest score of her career, as she scored a 9.950 at the Big Five Meet earlier this season.
Competing in the all-around, Cassidy Rushlow recorded scores of 9.875 on bars and 9.800 on vault.
Junior Melissa Astarita closed out the night with a great performance on floor, capping off a great season with a 9.875 score.
FROM THE SOURCE: Head Coach Sarah Brown
"I am incredibly proud of the way all four athletes represented Penn State today! Ava closed out an impressive career with one of the best routines I have ever seen her compete and I am so happy for her! These athletes have worked so hard. They deserve all the recognition and success and I am honored to be a part of their journey."