Gymwomen to face off against Buckeyes

The rivalry may not be as intense as Michigan and Ohio State in college football, but the Penn State and Ohio State women's gymnastics teams have had some classic contests throughout the years.

Last season, the Buckeyes narrowly defeated the Lady Lions in mid-February in Columbus, 193.75-193.125. Penn State got its revenge in grand fashion beating Ohio State in its own arena and also taking the Northeast Regional Championships last April.

Thus, the stage is set for tomorrow afternoon's meet between the two teams at 3 p.m. in Rec Hall. For the No. 12 Buckeyes, it will be their first away competition after spending five weeks at home. Ohio State coach Larry Cox said his athletes are chomping at the bit to compete in this meet.

"They've been wanting to go on the road for three weeks. They're really looking forward to it," he said. "This is one of our favorite places to compete . . . I think the fans at Penn State are as educated as anyone in gymnastics as you'll find around."

In order for No. 7 Penn State to come out on top, it must rely on depth. After two weeks on the road, Lion coach Steve Shephard said the team is a little "banged up."

Junior Janae Whittaker is doubtful as she is nursing an injured heel while freshman Maria Taylor will be out of the lineup due to mononucleosis. Senior Joanna Knox, who suffered a heel bruise at last week's Cat Classic, has improved enough so she can compete, according to Shephard.

"We're definitely going to have to step it up enough," Shephard said. "All of them are going to have to rise to the occasion and we're confident that they're going to do that."

One gymnast who will get to showcase her talent before the Rec Hall crowd will be redshirt freshman Heather Duggan. She has performed exhibition routines on vault throughout the year but this will be her first chance to shine as a starter. Knox said Duggan, who will compete on floor and vault, has worked hard during the season and has a great chance of proving herself on both events.

"(Her routines) should add a decent score for the ones we will be missing," Knox said.

While Penn State is still healing, the bumps and bruises Ohio State has are steadily improving. Buckeye junior Kelly Harper came back from an injury last week and competed on vault. She will perform on vault and floor, according to Cox, with a "watered down" routine on floor.

"It will be nice to get her going," Cox said. "We'll let her work back into it gradually."

During last weekend's meet in Columbia, Mo., Shephard noticed floor and vault were his team's strongest events. Although the rotation on floor scored the highest and did not count a fall, vault also did not sustain a fall. This has made Shephard believe the Lions are capable of obtaining scores that the top five teams in the nation achieve.

"I think we have the potential to improve everywhere," Shephard said. "We have to stay on the equipment and stick with the details."