Pittsburgh, PA – The Towson University gymnastics team's historic season came to an end Thursday afternoon as it fell to Penn State in round one of NCAA Regionals, 195.450 – 195.700. Four different Tigers picked up gold in each event.
The Nittany Lions took the lead after the first rotation as only .100 separated the two teams. Towson passed Penn State after the second rotation, putting up a 49.175 on bars which was the team's best score of the afternoon. The Lions reclaimed their lead after the third rotation due to a 49.150 on floor. Despite a 48.425 on the final rotation, Penn State was able to remain in first at the conclusion of the meet.
How it Happened
Vault – 49.000
- Polina Belanovski anchored the first rotation for Towson with a 9.850, claiming gold after tying with Penn State's Ava Piedrahita for first place. This was Belanovski's seventh win in the event this season.
- Lauren Bolen made her way on to the podium as well, posting a 9.825 to take third.
- Camille Vitoff followed right behind Bolen in fourth place after receiving a 9.800.
Bars – 49.175
Beam – 48.175
- Clara Hong collected her second medal of the day, winning the event after tying with two Penn State gymnasts. Hong put up a 9.850 after a seamless routine, which is a season high for the sophomore.
- Lauren Keener placed fifth with a 9.800, her fourth highest score this season.
Floor – 49.100
- Carmella Calafati earned her first gold medal of her collegiate career, winning with a 9.875 which matches her season high.
- Jenna Weitz earned silver, posting her second best score of the season – 9.850.
- Polina Belanovski was the third top finisher for the Tigers, posting a 9.825.
Up Next
Polina Belanovski (vault),
Isabella Minervini (bars) and
Grace Vaillancourt (bars) will compete as individuals in the second round tomorrow evening which starts at 7 p.m. Belanovski and Vaillancourt will compete in the fourth rotation and Minervini competes in the first rotation.
