UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 6 Penn State men's gymnastics remains undefeated at Rec Hall this season after a 403.100-381.650 victory over Springfield Saturday evening.
The Nittany Lions claimed individual titles in five of the six events and in the all-around.
"We had a pretty solid day," said head coach Randy Jepson. "We had some breaks in places and didn't get as many sticks as we wanted, but the main thing is that we're focusing on getting healthier and getting our best team together when the time comes."
Josh Karnes led the team with individual titles on parallel bars (14.850), high bar (13.700) and a fourth-place finish on pommel horse (13.600).
Ian Raubal won the all-around for the first time this season and his third of his career with a score of 78.700. The sophomore posted a season high score of 13.100 on floor.
Freshman Luke Esparo received a career high score on vault of 14.550 to earn his first collegiate victory in the event.
Matt Cormier made his return to floor this season posting a score of 13.950 to win the individual title. The senior also placed second on high bar (13.350).
Matt Underhill claimed first on rings with a score of 13.900, earning his first individual title on the event this season.
Derek Schlagenhauf took second on pommel horse with a score of 13.800, a new season high for the junior.
Akseli Karsikas competed in the all-around for the first time in his collegiate career, posting a 77.200.
"I am happy with some of the guys," said Jepson. "Great effort by Ian Raubal in all around - his first all around in a long time. Ian and Akseli Karsikas were both workhorses for us today. It's good to see (Josh) Karnes pop back up and put in a couple of great performances. Derek Schlagenhauf has been getting more and more solid on pommel. I am really happy for him and his efforts today as well."
Penn States moves to 24-3 all-time against Springfield with meets dating back to 1961.
Penn State men's gymnastics will compete at No. 4 Michigan Sunday, March 17. The meet will be televised on the Big Ten Network. The following week, the Nittany Lions will return back to Rec Hall for their final home meet of the season on Saturday, March 23 against Illinois.
