TOWSON, Md. - Towson University women's gymnastics junior Mary Elle Arduino became the second Tiger gymnast in the last three years to win an East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) individual title while Towson posted its second-highest score in the event's history en route to a fourth-place finish Saturday at SECU Arena.

The Tigers (15-19) totaled 195.675 points to finish behind champion and No. 22 N.C. State (196.625), New Hampshire (196.300) and No. 19 George Washington (195.875). Pittsburgh finished fifth with 195.475 points while North Carolina was sixth with 194.775 points.

Arduino is the first Tiger to win an individual EAGL title since Aysia Sharif won floor in 2016 with a 9.925 and the first Tiger to win on beam since Jen Clarke had a 9.875 in 2002.

How It Happened

• Towson started the meet on floor where it totaled a 49.100, led by senior Gabriella Yarussi who finished fifth with a 9.900 to earn All-Tournament First Team honors. Sophomore Melissa Temkov and junior Cortni Baker each earned All-Tournament Second Team honors after both finished 12th with a 9.850.
• Yarussi also led the Tigers on vault during the second rotation, earning All-Tournament First Team honors after placing fourth with a career-high 9.850. Freshman Kyla Gamble and senior Tyra McKellar each earned All-Tournament Second Team honors as each placed 13th with a 9.800 which marked a career high for Gamble.
• After a bye during the third rotation, Towson competed on bars where McKellar and freshman Tess Zientek earned All-Tournament Second Team honors. Zientek finished 12th with a 9.800 while McKellar was 15th with a 9.775. Also of note on bars was the return of senior Noelle Harada who competed for the first time since the Little Boston Invitational on January 6 due to injury.
• The Tigers earned two of the top four spots on beam, highlighted by Arduino who tied her own school record and the EAGL Championship record with a 9.950. She and Yarussi set the program record earlier this season on February 18 against Southern Connecticut State and Gustavus Adolphus. Yarussi finished fourth while both earned All-Tournament First Team honors. McKellar earned All-Tournament Second Team honors after placing ninth with a 9.825.
• McKellar earned her fourth all-tournament selection in the all-around after she finished sixth with a 39.175 to receive first team honors.

End of Year Awards

• The EAGL also announced its annual award winners on Saturday where Towson Associate Athletics Director Jon Dahlquist was named Administrator of the Year. He has been extremely instrumental in the team's success this season, especially with administrative support and resources surrounding the program's 50th anniversary and serving as host of the EAGL Championship. He has assisted with budget resources and has helped obtain upgrades to the team's practice facility this year.

Up Next For Towson

• The Tigers have finished the team portion of their 2018 schedule and will now await to see which individuals are selected to compete in the NCAA regional hosted by the University of Georgia at Stageman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia on April 2.