Rutgers faces Maryland for 2nd time this season
After opening the season with a tri-meet at home last weekend, the Rutgers gymnastics team will face Maryland on Saturday for the second time this season.
In the season-opening meet, the Scarlet Knights (0-2, 0-1) lost by less than 3 points against the Terrapins (2-1, 1-1) and Illinois. Head gymnastics coach Umme Salim-Beasley was optimistic about the loss, citing the effort and depth of her team.
“I'm just really proud of the effort they put out today, a lot of them had one week of practice. They really did the best they could to be able to get out there and get a score for the team,” said Salim-Beasley after the loss. “The good thing about 27 student-athletes on the team is that we have a lot of depth. For us to be able to put full lineups out after not being able to compete last week, it was a great example of the strength and depth of our team.”
Senior Belle Huang led Rutgers on beam, floor and all-around, where she placed third overall.
True freshman Calah Newman led the Knights on vault and finished fourth in all-around. True freshman Avery Balser led Rutgers on bars, posting a 9.775 and matching that score on the floor.
Six true freshmen Knights made their collegiate debuts in the season opener. The 12-person class was ranked No. 23 in the preseason.
Saturday's meet begins at 1 p.m.
For updates on the Rutgers gymnastics team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
