Huskers Capture Master?s Classic Title

Lincoln ? The seventh-ranked Nebraska women’s gymnastics (8-2) team extended its regular-season home meet winning streak to 53, Sunday afternoon, as NU (196.525) defeated Florida (196.350), Arizona State (195.625) and Illinois (194.025) to win the Master’s Classic at the Devaney Center.

"It was a battle today, it came down to the final routine, but this is where a team learns to grow up," Head Coach Dan Kendig said. "I feel as though the team did very well competing in spite of all the things that have happened this week with the team."

The Huskers scored above 49.0 in three events including the vault (49.35), the uneven bars (49.175) and the floor exercise (49.125). Senior Tami Harris led the Huskers in the all-around, capturing her first all-around title of the season with a career-high 39.55. Harris tied with ASU’s Ashley Kelly for the all-around title, as she captured first place on the vault (9.925), tied for first place the balance beam (9.925) and tied for first place on the floor exercise (9.875). Senior Libby Landgraf took fourth place in the all-around with a 39.40, as she tied for second place on the vault (9.875), tied for fifth place on the uneven bars (9.85) and tied for first place on the floor exercise (9.875).

The Huskers began their first rotation on the vault, as NU hit all six of their routines. Harris led the Huskers, scoring a season-best 9.925 in the event and capturing first place. Landgraf added a 9.875 on the vault and tied for runner-up honors, while Bruce, Esposito and Carter all scored 9.85 in the event and tied for fourth place. Esposito also tied her career-high on the vault. In addition, Zabawa scored a 9.825 to tie her career-high on the vault. The Huskers led the competition after the first rotation with a score of 49.35, while Florida finished on the floor exercise with a 49.25, edging the Huskers. Illinois scored a 48.575 to finish in third place, while Arizona State trailed with a 48.15.

In the second rotation on the uneven bars, the Huskers hit all of their bars routines. Esposito led the Huskers on the uneven bars, scoring a 9.875 and tying for third place. Landgraf finished strong in the event with a 9.85 and tied for fifth place. Harris and Zabawa both scored 9.825 to add to the Huskers’ efforts on the bars, while Bruce added a 9.80. In addition, freshman Natasha Gowda scored a 9.775. The Huskers extended their lead after the first event, leading Arizona State (97.40), Florida (98.250) and Illinois (97.20) with a 98.525.

The Huskers entered their third rotation on the balance beam where Harris led the Huskers, scoring an impressive career-high 9.925 in the event and tying for first place. Saas added a 9.90, tying for third place. Carter scored a career-high 9.875 and tied for fifth place, while Landgraf added a 9.80. The Huskers had to count a fall on the balance beam after two gymnasts; Gowda and Esposito fell during their routines. At the end of the third rotation, the Huskers trailed Florida, 147.40-147.55.

The Huskers finished the evening on the floor exercise, as Landgraf and Harris both scored 9.875 to lead the Huskers in a five-way tie for first place. Bruce and Esposito each scored 9.85, while Carter scored a 9.675 and Saas added a 9.60.

The Huskers will next travel to Minneapolis, Minn. to compete against the University of Minnesota, Saturday, March 6 at 7 p.m.