Gymwomen hit wall, fall to Crimson Tide

Just when it appeared the Penn State women's gymnastics team was about to make a jump to the next level, it hit a brick wall Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

After counting several falls, the No. 3 Lady Lions could not keep up with the blazing scores of No. 4 Alabama, which rolled to a 195.575-193.125 victory before a crowd of 10,053 spectators at the Coleman Coliseum. Penn State junior Missy Leopoldus took second in the all-around with a score of 39.275, falling short of the first-place winner, Alabama's Gwen Spidle (39.325).

The Crimson Tide had a couple gymnasts who shined throughout the competition. Spidle received a 9.9 on floor, a 9.875 on beam and a 9.8 on bars. Shay Murphy recorded a 9.925 on floor while Dara Stewart scored a 9.9 on bars.

Lion coach Steve Shephard said his team's score was a little disappointing, considering the amount of talent the squad has. He added that it was tough to get the scores rolling.

"We never seemed to get any momentum going," he said. "It seemed like we were struggling the whole time."

The best event of the evening for the Lions, vault, has been their weakest in the past. Senior Christi Huch started the rotation with a 9.7. Senior Joanna Knox followed with a 9.75. After junior Ellen Casey's 9.65 and junior Janae Whittaker's 9.675, freshman Gemma Cuff and Leopoldus each received a 9.775.

"It was our best vaulting we have done all year," sophomore Nikki Smith said.

Although the crowd was quite large, Shephard said it was not overly intimidating. He remarked that 53 of the fans were from Penn State and the Alabama backers were knowledgeable about gymnastics.

"It was very appreciative," he said. "When we performed well, they appreciated our performance. It was not as hostile as I anticipated."

For freshman Maria Taylor, Saturday's night meet was a learning experience. Competing before a big crowd against a top-ranked team, she hit her routine on beam and received a 9.675. On bars, however, she suffered a fall and got a 9.325.

"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be. I just tried to stay calm," Taylor said. "We're pretty much taking it as a learning experience."