Huskers Impress at Intrasquad

Lincoln - The Nebraska women’s gymnastics team continued its preseason preparations with a successful intrasquad meet in front of an estimated 300 fans at Mabel Lee Hall Friday night.

The Cornhuskers competed in Olympic order, beginning on vault and moving to the balance beam and uneven bars before ending the night with floor exercise performances. Following the hour and a half competition, the Huskers signed autographs for fans in attendance.

The team showed promise in each event, and head coach Dan Kendig is excited about the prospects of the 2016 season.

“I think we did a great job,” said Kendig. “I think the people that came really enjoyed what they got to see. I’m pleased with the performances we gave and really, the most important thing at this point is to make sure we’re doing the right things. I think we did that and gathered some confidence. I’m proud of them, and I think they should be proud of what they did too.”

The Huskers return six letterwinners from last year’s team, including All-Americans Hollie Blanske and Ashley Lambert. Others returning for the Big Red in 2016 include senior Madison McConkey, Big Ten uneven bars co-champion Jennie Laeng, Danielle Breen and Grace Williams.

Kendig is pleased with the leadership shown by the upperclassmen thus far.

“The upperclassmen, all along, have known what’s expected,” Kendig said. “They were a little nervous, but they’ve been here and done it. It still brought out a few more nerves than normal, but I thought they did a great job. Specifically, I thought they did a great job leading the freshmen.”

Six talented freshmen join the Huskers this season. The coaching staff is excited for what this class of newcomers can bring to the team this year and beyond.

“I think some of the freshmen did a great job and stepped up,” said Kendig. “I think they came out and did what they were capable of doing, and I think we’re going to see more and more out of them as we get going.”

The Huskers’ 2016 season kicks off following the winter break with a triangular-meet against Arizona State and Bowling Green on Friday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. CT in Tempe, Ariz. The home slate begins on Saturday, Jan. 23, with the Double Dual, as the women’s team will take on Big Ten foe Rutgers and the men’s gymnastics team battles Air Force at 6 p.m. at the Devaney Center.