Huskers Wins Close Battle Against No. 10 Oklahoma

Norman, Okla. ? The ninth-ranked Nebraska women’s gymnastics team defeated 10th-ranked Oklahoma, 196.60-196.35 in a closely fought battle, Friday evening at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla.

"It was an awesome experience tonight. It was big for us to come down here and get this win tonight," Head Coach Dan Kendig said. "I am really proud of this team, and what they accomplished here tonight."

The Huskers were led by seniors Tami Harris and Libby Landgraf, who finished second (39.35) and third (39.275), respectively, in the all-around. Harris tied for first place on the uneven bars (9.90), while Landgraf captured third place on the vault (9.825) and tied for fifth on the uneven bars (9.85). In addition, freshman Kristi Esposito finished in the top five in three events. The Slidell, La., native tied for first on uneven bars (9.90) and tied for third on the balance beam (9.875) and floor exercise (9.90). The Huskers scored above 49.0 in three events, uneven bars (49.325),balance beam (49.225), the floor exercise (49.250). NU also scored a season best on the uneven bars with its score of 49.325.

The Huskers had an impressive start to their evening with five strong performances on the uneven bars. All five gymnasts scored above 9.85, including two gymnasts who scored 9.90. Harris and Esposito set the pace for the Huskers on the uneven bars, both scoring 9.90 and tying for first place to lead NU. Esposito set a new career high and season best with her score in the event, while Harris tied her season best. Freshman Natasha Gowda set a new career high with a 9.825 in the event, while Landgraf and freshman Michele Zabawa, who matched her career high, both scored 9.85 NU led after the first rotation with a season-high team total of 49.325.

In the second rotation on the vault, the Huskers held their lead over the Sooners, 98.175-97.625. Landgraf led the Huskers on vault, scoring a 9.825 and capturing third place. Zabawa scored a 9.80, tying her career high to tie for fourth. Senior Gina Bruce and Harris both added 9.75s to help the Huskers’ effort.

On the floor exercise, the Huskers put together solid performances from all six gymnasts. Esposito led the Huskers with a 9.90 and tied for third place, while Harris scored a 9.875. Three Huskers, Stephanie Carter, Bruce and Gowda, all scored 9.825 to lead the Huskers on the event. Landgraf added a 9.80, as the Huskers finished with a team total of 49.25 in the event. NU led Oklahoma, 147.425-146.825, heading into the final rotation.

The Huskers finished the evening on the balance beam, junior Jamie Saas led the Huskers with a 9.925 and took runner-up honors in the event. Esposito scored a 9.875 and tied for third place, while Harris added a 9.825. Carter and Landgraf both scored 9.80, as the Huskers finished the event with a team total of 49.225.

The Huskers will next host Ohio State at the Bob Devaney Sports Center next Sunday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. It will be a double dual, as the Husker men will also take on Ohio State.

 

Place Gym Team Score Vault Bars Beam Floor
1
NU


NU
196.600
48.800
2
49.325
1
49.225
1
49.250
2 402   Gina Bruce 9.750 9.825 403   Stephanie Carter 9.675 9.800 9.825 404   Kristi Esposito 9.900 9.875 9.900 405   Natasha Gowda 9.825 9.825 406   Tami Harris 9.750 9.900 9.825 9.875 407   Libby Landgraf 9.825 9.850 9.800 409   Jamie Saas 9.925 412   Michele Zabawa 9.800 9.850
2
OU*


OU*
196.350
48.850
1
48.775
2
49.200
2
49.525
1 1   Karina Agafonova 9.900 2   Leah Mueller 9.900 3   Kasie Tamayo 9.850 9.900 9.950 9.950 5   Erin LaBarr 9.800 9.300 6   Tara Anderson 9.825 9.875 7   Kristen Cox 9.850 8   Katie Hostler 9.650 9.925 9   Melissa Smith 9.850 9.775 11   Elizabeth Tandy 9.750 13   Tiffany Willin 9.850 14   Ashley Cooney 9.700 9.850 9.900