UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State women's gymnastics team enjoyed a strong performance in Rec Hall on Saturday, earning a 196.400-195.425 win over Maryland.
Lauren Bridgens led the Nittany Lions with a career high-tying 39.525 on all-around, capturing the individual title, and won or tied for the win on three events, posting season highs on bars, beam and floor.
"I can't say enough about this team's fight and never-quit attitude," said Head Coach Sarah Brown. "We weren't perfect, but we continued to fight and we saw great leadership and energy from everyone on the team."
On vault, Penn State posted a season-high 49.150. Bella Salcedo led the blue and white with a career-high 9.875 to win the event title. Elina Vihrova added a career-best 9.825.
"I'm so proud of the way things started on vault," said Brown. "The team carried that energy into bars and even though we had a few mistakes on beam, I couldn't be more excited about the way the floor team closed out the night. Rachel has worked so hard to prepare the team on that event and I can't wait to close out our home schedule in Rec Hall next weekend."
Bridgens posted a 9.875 on bars to earn the event title and lead PSU to a season-high 49.275.
Jessica Johanson secured a career-high 9.850, while Cassidy Rushlow had a season-best 9.850. Alissa Bonsall added a 9.850.
On beam, Bridgens notched a 9.875, another season high, while Maddie Johnston registered a 9.825.
Penn State closed out the meet with its best performance of the season on floor, posting a 49.450, including three scores of 9.900 or better. Bridgens led the way with a season-high 9.925. Salcedo matched Bridgens' 9.925 to set a new career high. Vihrova recorded a career-high 9.900, while Rushlow had a season-best 9.875.
Bridgens tied a career high in all-around with a 39.525, matching her performance against Minnesota on January 26, 2019.
Next Saturday, March 5, Penn State will host a quad meet with Cornell, Denver and Southern Utah. The meet begins at 7 p.m. at Rec Hall.
Lauren Bridgens