By David F. Pendrys (Link to official score sheet.)

PISCATAWAY, NJ-For the first time since 2006, Rutgers gymnastics competed in the larger Rutgers Athletics Center and came away with a 195.2 score on senior knight. Bridgeport tallied a 194.750 and West Chester posted a 190.825.

Rutgers senior Luisa Leal won vault scoring a 9.85. Her teammate Sahara Gipson & Bridgeport’s Sasha Tsikhanovich each had 9.8s for second. April Baker and Elizabeth Groden of RU plus Kim Stewart of UB had 9.775s. Majesta Valentine posted the best WCU score flipping to a 9.65. Gipson and Groden both posted personal bests on the day.

On Bars RU’s Jenna Williams swung to a 9.875 which is a personal best, Baker hit a 9.825 and RU’s Charly Santagado and UB’s Amber Hill snagged 9.8s. Meghan Brannon was the top scorer for West Chester with her 9.75.

RU’s Claire Jones took beam scoring a 9.8 edging Tsikhanovich, teammates Groden, Claudia Salinas, and Anastasia Halbig who all had 9.8s. Valentine led WCU with a 9.5.

On floor Tsikhanovich reigned scoring a 9.925. Jones wasn’t far behind nailing a 9.9. Caitlin Perry of UB, Groden, Leal, and RU’s Emma Hoffman all had 9.875s. Groden, Hoffman, and Leal all posted personal bests in this effort. Valentine was the best for West Chester flipping to a 9.825. Alyssa Hult had a 9.7 for the Golden Rams as well.

Tsikhanovich took the all around as well with a 39.275. Groden’s 38.750 was second, Kelsey Campbell of UB scored a 38.550 as did Valentine. Selena Swanger of West Chester scored a 37.925.

Interviews:

Byron Knox – Video Dailymotion
Bridgeport Interview – Video Dailymotion
Majesta Valentine & Meghan Brannon – Video Dailymotion
Luisa Leal – Video Dailymotion
Emma Hoffman – Video Dailymotion
Coach Levine – Video Dailymotion