<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Lincoln -- The Nebraska women's gymnastics team begins preparations for the 2008 season with an intrasquad meet on Friday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. The annual intrasquad will be held in the practice facility in Mabel Lee Hall and is open free of charge to the public.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
The Huskers will perform routines on every event, beginning in Olympic order with vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.
Fans should enter through the west doors of Mabel Lee Hall directly across from the CampusRecreationCenter on 14th Street. The gym is located on the third floor of the building.
Nebraska returns nine letterwinners, five of whom are All-Americans, including nine-time All-America honoree Emily Parsons. The senior is the defending Big 12 all-around champion and is considered among the nation's best on vault and floor. Nebraska also boasts two other first-team All-Americans in Tricia Woo and Vanessa Meloche. Second-team honorees Desire’ Sniatynski and Kylie Stone also highlight at Nebraska team that finished sixth nationally at the 2007 NCAA Championships.
NU also returns All-Big 12 selections Brittney Williams and Kathryn Howard, as well as Maria Scaffidi and Sabrina Long to its lineup. Freshmen Erin Davis, Brittnee Habbib and Stephanie Seich will also make their Husker debuts.
Nebraska opens the 2008 season Friday, Jan. 11 at IowaState at 7 p.m. in Ames, Iowa. The Huskers return home immediately for their first meet at the BobDevaneySportsCenter with ArizonaState on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m.