DENVER – The No. 20 University of Denver women’s gymnastics squad posted a 195.825 on the road at No. 5 Georgia, while improving on three-of-four events as a team. The Pioneers posted its second-highest score on floor this season, earning a team total of 49.075. Junior Nina McGee (Cincinnati, Ohio) posted a 39.300 in the all-around, highlighted by a 9.875 on floor.
“Considering there were changes in the line-up again this weekend, I was pleased with the overall performance of the team,” head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart said. “There were some definite highlights, including our first time opening with three E tumbling passes on floor. Again, the consistency of the team is evident as we’ve only counted one fall on one event the entire year.”
Senior Melodie Pulgarin Linero (Barcelona, Cataluya, Spain) led the Pioneers in their first rotation on bars, posting a 9.850, which was followed by a pair of 9.825’s from senior Moriah Martin (Lake Mary, Fla.) and McGee. Freshman Julia Ross (Henderson, Nev.) posted a 9.800 and sophomore Maggie Laughlin (Scottsdale, Ariz.) added a 9.625. Denver inked a 48.925 as a team, .115 points higher than its season average. Georgia’s Lindsey Cheek went on to win the individual event title with a 9.975.
Martin extended her streak of vault’s over 9.800 to 18, posting a 9.875 to lead the team. Senior Kaitlin Moorhead (Palo Alto, Calif.) inked a 9.825, while freshman Rachel Fielitz (Walden, N.Y.) brought in a 9.800 to Denver’s total of 49.000. Sophomore Emily Barrett (Norman, Okla.) and McGee earned matching 9.750’s on the event. Georgia’s Brandie Jay won the individual event title with a 9.975.
McGee anchored the Pioneers floor line-up, posting a 9.875. Senior Jorie Hall (Denver, Colo.) added a 9.825, with Moorhead and freshman Leah Lomonte (Katy, Texas) bringing in matching 9.800’s. Lomonte’s 9.800 records her second floor routine as a Pioneers and a career-high. Laughlin earned a 9.775 to add to Denver’s 49.075 total on floor.
Denver concluded the evening on beam, bringing in a 48.835 as a team. McGee led the Pioneers, as she inked a 9.850, followed by Martin’s 9.800. Ross posted a 9.775, with sophomore Ellese Sakai-Hart (Aptos, Calif.) and Lomonte adding two 9.700’s. McGee eventually earned a second-place individual finish on beam.
“With being on the road for the fourth straight weekend, there was still some fatigue. We still have to improve on sticking landings and overall sharpness, but the character of our team is apparent. We look forward to returning home next Saturday.”
The Pioneers return home after a four week stretch on the road when they face Boise State and Iowa State in their final home meet of the season. Come support Denver Gymnastics as they honor five seniors in their final career meet in Hamilton Gymnasium at 6 p.m.
-EXPERIENCE DENVER ATHLETICS-
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Gymnastics on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Gymnastics on Twitter
