Despite high scores, the Lady Lion gymnastics team was handed its first loss of the season on Saturday at Alabama, 188.65-182.50.

The competition that Alabama provided did not surprise the Lady Lions. Alabama won last year's NCAA title with a score of 190.05. This year's line-up included four returning All-Americans: Marie Robbins, Cheri Way, Kelly Good and Tina Rinker.

"It was a good experience for (the team)," said Avener. "It brought them back to Earth."

Alabama's Robbins scored 38.20 to lead the all-around competition. Penn State's top all-around performer, senior Kathy Parody, scored an impressive 36.70 despite a sore wrist that almost kept her out of the all-around.

Team captain Debbie O'Brien scored 9.45 to place third on the balance beam. Sophomore all-arounder Lynn Crane received a 9.45 on vault for second place and placed fourth in the floor exercise with 9.35.

Freshman Kim Thrasher fared well on the uneven bars and scored a 9.4 for the Lady Lions. Thrasher took fifth place.

Although the Lady Lion squad was disappointed with their first loss of the season, they cannot underestimate the invaluable experience they gained after going against a top-notch team such as Alabama.

"We were not nearly as good as we were against West Virginia last week," Avener said. "They have to get back to work this week."