Injured gymwomen limp to third-place finish

Being at less than full strength has been common for the Penn State women's gymnastics team. When the Lady Lions faced Florida and Iowa State on March 7, they had to battle through the injury problems again.

Before a crowd of 2,614 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, No. 24 Penn State finished third with a score of 193.6. No. 9 Florida took first, posting its third-highest score in school history -- 195.9 -- while No. 18 Iowa State finished second with a 194.625.

The Lady Lions competed without senior Bea Selz, and sophomore Missy Leopoldus participated on only bars. Penn State coach Steve Shephard said his team did very well despite the thin lineup.

"We did as well as we could under the circumstances," he said.

Sophomore Ellen Casey had the most consistent performance for the Lady Lions. She recorded a 9.725 on vault, 9.625 on beam, 9.8 on floor and 9.825 on bars for an all-around 38.975.

Shephard was pleased his gymnasts did not count a fall on beam, an event that has been an Achilles' heel for the team. He said Casey had a little problem on beam but managed to stay on. Shephard said that if she did not have the slight slip on the apparatus her score would have been closer to 9.8.

Senior Nicole Malinak entered the lineup on floor in place of the injured Selz. Shephard said Malinak had only two days to practice on the event and was happy with her score, 9.575.

The Lady Lions had two other gymnasts who competed in the all-around. Sophomore Janae Whittaker posted a 9.75 on vault, 9.8 on beam, 9.775 on floor and 9.7 on bars for a 39.025 all-around score. Freshman Ashley Wilson recorded a 9.475 on vault, 9.25 on beam, 9.475 on floor and 9.3 on bars for an all-around 37.5.

Shephard said with Leopoldus returning to the all-around, the team feels it will be able to step it up.

"I think they realize they are better than that," he said. "I think they are really motivated right now. They are feeling confident they will go in and put up big scores and hit routines."