Huskers Soar to No. 3 in National Rankings

Lincoln, Neb. - After posting its highest season-opening score since 2004 last weekend, the Nebraska women's gymnastics team vaulted to third nationally in the GymInfo poll released Monday. The poll, which is calculated by average team score, also ranks NU second in the South Central region and the Big 12 Conference after a win over Washington last Friday. In addition, the Huskers rank sixth nationally in team vault scoring (49.00), 11th on bars (48.75), first on beam (49.05) and ninth on floor (48.90).

The Huskers have not been ranked this high since they held the No. 1 spot heading into a meet with Minnesota and Air Force during the 2005 season.

"It's really exciting," head coach Dan Kendig said. "Our goal was to start strong, and we did that with a great meet on the road. It's a good start, and we can't wait to improve from here."

Individually, junior Maria Scaffidi is tied for 18th in the all-around (39.00) and seventh on floor (9.875). Senior Kylie Stone is tied for 11th on vault (9.85) and 9th on beam (9.85), along with senior Kathryn Howard and junior Brittnee Habbib. Habbib also comes in tied at ninth on bars (9.85). Sophomore Lora Evenstad is tied for 14th on floor (9.85) and is included in the bars standings with an average of 9.825 for 25th.

The No. 3 Huskers will open their home schedule Friday, Jan. 15 at the Devaney Center with No. 23 Illinois and Minnesota. Competition is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Nebraska's Team Event Rankings     Event Rank Average Vault 6th 49.00 Bars 11th 48.75 Beam 1st 49.05 Floor 9th 48.90

 

Huskers in the Top 25 Event Rankings       Gymnast Event Rank Average Lora Evenstad UB 25th 9.825   FX 14th 9.85 Brittnee Habbib UB 9th 9.85   BB 9th 9.85 Kathryn Howard BB 9th 9.85 Maria Scaffidi FX 7th 9.875   AA 18th 39.00 Kylie Stone V 11th 9.85   BB 9th 9.85