PITTSBURGH – The No. 35 Penn State women's gymnastics team (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten) finished in second place out of four teams with a 195.475 at the Keystone Classic on Friday night. The score was Penn State's highest opening meet tally since 2012 when the squad posted a 195.775 at West Virginia to open the campaign.
Pitt took the top spot in the meet, scoring a 195.950. The Panthers were followed by the Nittany Lions at 195.475, Temple at 194.225, and Penn at 193.450. Penn State freshman Ava Piedrahita won the all-around with a 39.175 in her first collegiate meet.
"Tonight was a really great start to the 2023 season," Head Coach Sarah Brown remarked. "We had a few small mistakes on each event, but overall, I'm very proud of the fight we showed throughout the night. Ava and Jessie made their debuts in the all-around and Amani, Haleigh and Gabbie were able to represent Penn State for the first time. What an exciting way to kick off the year! We can't wait to compete again at Denver on Sunday!"
Penn State started its night on the balance beam and showcased its freshmen early on in the meet. Freshman Amani Herring, who was just named one of Penn State's gymnasts to watch in the conference, posted a 9.925 on the beam in her first collegiate competition. Fellow newcomer Haleigh Gibble turned in a 9.800 on the beam in her initial taste of collegiate action as well. The Nittany Lions recorded a 48.650 on the beam as a group, a mark they surpassed just four times last season.
On the floor, the Nittany Lions posted a 49.100 and were led by a career-best 9.875 performance from Jessica Johanson. Herring (9.825) and Piedrahita (9.850) followed with solid displays of their own.
Piedrahita (9.825) and Herring (9.800) both posted 9.8 or better scores on vault as well.
In the final event of the evening, the Nittany Lions turned in three 9.800 or better scores en route to a 48.975 bars total, good for the top spot on the night. Junior Maddie Johnston scored a 9.825 to head the squad, followed by matching 9.800s from Piedrahita and senior Cassidy Rushlow.
Penn State had three all-arounders compete in all four events at the Keystone Classic. Led by event winner Piedrahita (39.175), Johnston (38.875), and Johanson (38.500) added solid support to a fantastic start to the season for the Nittany Lions.
WHAT'S NEXT
Penn State will travel to Denver, Co. where it will take on No. 13 Denver and RV Texas Woman's University in a tri-meet. The Nittany Lions own a 3-6 all-time record against Denver and a 2-1 mark against TWU.
Following the opening weekend slate, the Nittany Lions will host their home opener in Rec Hall on Friday, Jan. 13 against Penn, LIU, and Southern Connecticut State.
Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateWomensGymnastics) and Twitter/Instagram (@pennstatewgym).
