Huskers Earn First-Ever No. 1 National Ranking

Lincoln ? The Nebraska women’s gymnastics team made history as it moved up to No. 1 nationally this week in the latest National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches poll released Monday. The ranking marks the first time in the program’s 29-year history that the Huskers have earned the top spot on the national charts.

This is also the fifth straight week the Huskers rank No. 1 in the NCAA South Central region, as well as first in the Big 12.

NU claimed its 11th consecutive Masters Classic team title on Sunday, improving to 6-4 on the season. Nebraska scored a 49.0 or better on vault, uneven bars and floor exercise, and set or tied six season-high scores. With the win, the Huskers also extended their home unbeaten streak in the Devaney Center to 55 regular-season competitions.

Senior Richelle Simpson claimed her fourth vault title of the season with a 9.975, as well as her third floor title (9.95), en route to a first-place finish for her third all-around title (39.625). Freshman Emily Parsons won her first balance beam title of 2005 by tying her season-high 9.90 on the event, while finishing second in the all-around (39.45), and In addition, sophomore Kristi Esposito won the her third uneven bars title of the year with a 9.875.

The Huskers continue their month-long homestand with a triangular against No. 19 Minnesota and Air Force Sunday, March 6 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The meet is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.