Huskers Open Home Slate With Victory Over Iowa

Lincoln - The sixth-ranked Nebraska women's gymnastics team opened its home season with a 194.60-193.225 over No. 16 Iowa in front of a crowd of 1,053 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Sunday. Led by junior A.J. Lamb's all-around victory, the Huskers upped their record to 1-1 on the season, and extended their regular season home winning streak to 39.

Nebraska got off to a slow start on vault, scoring a 48.675, but several Huskers posted solid scores, including All-American Gina Bruce, who was the Huskers' highest scoring gymnast on the event for the second consecutive meet, finishing second with a 9.80. Sophomore Tami Harris finished fourth with a season-high score of 9.775, while a trio of Huskers received 9.70s.

After their first competitor fell on bars, the Huskers received solid performances from Lamb and sophomore Richelle Simpson, who received marks of 9.775 and 9.75, respectively. Nebraska then looked to junior Julie Houk, a two-time All-American, who responded with a 9.875 to capture her second straight bars title, helping the Huskers to their biggest lead of the night.

Nebraska entered the third rotation with a commanding 97.275-95.95 lead, as Lamb led off on beam with a season-high 9.85. But after Nebraska's second competitor fell, the pressure was on the remaining four gymnasts. Veterans Harris and Jen French responded with solid scores of 9.80, but after Simpson fell on her mount, the Huskers needed a strong performance from freshman Jamie Saas. Saas, who was making her collegiate debut on the event, responded with a 9.675, as the Huskers were forced to count a fall and finished with a 48.15. Although the score was NU's lowest on beam since the 2000 home opener, Kendig said he wasn't worried and praised Saas' effort.

"We hit last week and I think we'll hit next week," Kendig said. "Jamie Saas fought hard and did a great job. That was encouraging to see."

Nebraska finished the meet with a strong performance on floor, as Nebraska claimed the top five places on the event. In all, five Huskers scored 9.80 or better including Lamb, whose 9.875 led all competitors, resulting in her first all-around victory since Jan. 29, 2000. Lamb's score of 39.20,which included first-place finishes on beam and floor, edged Iowa's Alexis Maday, who finished with a 39.10.

The Huskers will open Big 12 action on Friday, Jan. 18, when they travel to Ames, Iowa to face the Cyclones at 7 p.m.