Gymnast Tom Ellefson isn't complaining. On paper, the Lions captured three more victories. But in spirit, the gymnasts know they are capable of performing better.

Penn State posted a 276.9 score against Brigham Young (270.65) and Michigan State (272.15) on March 4. Then, with the Lions' lowest team score of the season, they easily defeated the Panthers five days later, 270.85-257.7 at Pitt. For Ellefson, the victories were hollowed by the "silly little mistakes" that seem to haunt the team.

"We really don't have a weak event," freshman J.M. Michel said. "We never screw up major. We take little steps."

The wins in Utah reminded Ellefson of the team's Feb. 11 battle with the Spartans. Although the Lions won in both meets, they had hoped their team score would be higher.

"We won, but it was like the meet at Michigan State, so it didn't feet good winning" the freshman said.

After a tiring ride to Pittsburgh, the Lions were unable to motivate themselves. The stands were bare and the gymnasts were uninspired.

"It was our worst meet all year," Ellefson said. "Plus, it was hard to get psyched up. We know Pitt is not the greatest of teams."

The meet dragged on with frequent lulls in competition as the judges often held conferences to discuss scoring discrepancies, he added. "That got under everybody's skin right from the start."

However, captain Jim Delaney and sophomore Brandy Wood kept the team focused on its routines not the scores.

Highlights at BYU included a career-best 9.65 floor routine by junior Dave Riordan. Delaney scored a personal best of 9.6 on the pommel horse against the Panthers.

Overall, Coach Randy Jepson was pleased with the team's progress on the vault. Junior Mark Cooper led the competition with a 9.4 on that event at BYU. Michel finished right under Cooper by earning a 9.35.

"I guess it's a good way to compare your scores, because he's a real good vaulter," Michel said.

Jepson said he is not discouraged by his team's less-than-stellar performance. The arrival of the Big Ten and NCAA Championships in the next few weeks will bring increased levels of enthusiasm.

"It was the middle of spring break, we had done a lot of traveling, and the guys were tired," he said.

Ellefson echoed Jepson's thoughts. With a little polishing, the Lions are ready to pick up the pace.

"We're diamonds in the rough," Ellefson said. "I can see we're going to break the 280 barrier. I know we're capable of being up there at the top."

Note:

-- Junior Lee Ricketts did not travel to Pittsburgh with the Lions. He returned to England to compete in the British Nationals.