GYMNASTS DEFEATED AT NO. 22 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, 194.175-192.400

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EAST LANSING, Mich.— The University of New Hampshire women’s gymnastics team was defeated at 22nd-ranked Michigan State University on Saturday afternoon in Jenison Field House by a score of 194.175-192.400.

Junior Chelsea Steinberg (Ridgewood, N.J.) led the team with a first-place finish in the vault, posting a high score of 9.85. She also was the Wildcats’ top all-arounder, placing third overall with a four-event score of 38.250.

On the bars it was sophomore Ali Carr (Chelmsford, Mass.) leading UNH as she tied for fourth, recording a score of 9.725. She was followed closely by senior Helena Diodati (Scarborough, Maine) in fifth place with a mark of 9.7.

In the floor exercise, senior Taryn LaFountain (Utica, N.Y.) continues to excel for her team and she led the squad in the event with a judgement of 9.825 to earn third place overall. She was followed closely by senior Julie Sauchuck (Peabody, Mass.), who placed fourth with a score of 9.750. As a team, the Wildcats earned the third through sixth spots.

On balance beam, Michigan State was strong, taking the top four finishers in the event. UNH’s top effort came from LaFountain, as she tied for fourth with an impressive mark of 9.750, while sophomore Danielle Reibold (Horsham, Pa.) took sixth with a score of 9.725. UNH was keeping pace until the beam, the final event of the day, as the 'Cats missed on four routines and gave up 1.5 points down the stretch.

UNH posted its best team total on vault to defeat MSU in the event (48.725-48.600) and head coach Gail Goodspeed was happy with the team's effort on bars as well.

The Wildcats fall to 8-2 on the season after the loss and will return to action at home on Feb. 27 vs. Maryland. That meet begins at 4 p.m. in Lundholm Gymnasium. Tickets for all UNH home meets are available online at www.unhwildcats.com.