Huskers Dominate No. 13 Tigers

Lincoln --The 13th-ranked Nebraska women’s gymnastics team captured their second win of the season as they defeated 12th-ranked Missouri, 197.750-195.650, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center Saturday evening.

"It was an awesome night for us, and I think a lot of it had to do with us having a full week of practice," Head Coach Dan Kendig said. "I think all of our practice paid off, as we were more prepared for tonight’s competition. We need to keep this momentum going as we head toward Oklahoma."

The Huskers had an evening full of season bests and career highs, as NU captured their 51st straight regular-season win at home, 50th win under Kendig. Eight Huskers combined to capture 15 season high scores, while six Huskers combined to capture seven career-high scores. The night began with senior Gina Bruce scoring a perfect 10.00 on the vault and capturing first-place honors in the event to lead the Huskers. Bruce became the sixth Husker in school history to score a perfect 10.0 on the vault and the first Husker to score a perfect 10.0 on any apparatus this season for the Huskers. The team secured a team total of 49.60 on the vault, which marks the third-highest score in school history.

The Huskers began the evening on the vault with three gymnasts scoring above 9.90. Senior Richelle Simpson scored a 9.975 to tie her season best, while Libby Landgraf scored a 9.925, tying her career high on vault. Freshmen Kristi Esposito and Stephanie Carter both scored 9.85 for the Huskers. Esposito’s 9.850 was also a season best and career-high for Slidell, La. native. The Huskers led Missouri after the first rotation, 49.60-48.60.

"It was great to see Gina getting a perfect score on the vault in real competition," Kendig said.

In the second rotation on the uneven bars, the Huskers continued to dominate the Tigers. Simpson had a solid performance on the bars to lead the Huskers with a 9.925. She secured a season best score and captured first place honors in the event. Senior Tami Harris scored a 9.90 to tie for runner-up honors and secure a season-best score. Freshmen Michele Zabawa and Esposito both added solid performances on the bars, each scoring a 9.85, as the Huskers finished with a season-high team total of 49.25. The Huskers led the Tigers 98.850-97.950 at the end of the second rotation.

On the balance beam, the Huskers put together solid performances from junior Jamie Saas and Simpson, who scored 9.975 and 9.95, respectively. Saas set a new career-high and season best on the balance beam, while Simpson also secured a season best in the event. Landgraf scored a 9.825 and Esposito added a 9.80 for a new season best and career high. The Huskers finished the event with a 49.325 and extended their lead to 148.175-146.80 at the end of the third rotation.

The Huskers finished the evening on the floor exercise where they continued to out perform their opponent. Landgraf led the Huskers with a 9.95, a career high for the Fort Collins, Colo., native to take first on the event.  Harris and Esposito both scored 9.925 to tie for second. Harris captured a season best in the event and tied for runner-up honors with Esposito who tied her career-high and season best in the event.

"Libby without a doubt is the only gymnast in college gymnastics to throw a three and a half twist in competition on the floor exercise," Kendig said.

The Huskers will next compete against Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m.