Huskers Unable to Come Back Against Minnesota

Lincoln, Neb. – The 14th-ranked Nebraska women’s gymnastics team was unable to over come the gap tonight in the Devaney Center. The Huskers (5-2) scored a 196.100 leaving the 3-2 in the Big Ten. Minnesota came out with a 196.300 to win the meet.  

The meet was filled with ups and downs as the Huskers would end on a season high team floor score. The Huskers had some uncharacteristic wobbles and landings throughout the meet. 

Nebraska Coach Dan Kendig said, “We just have to do a little bit better all the way around. Landings seem to be our biggest mistake throughout the meet. Kendig said, “When you only lose by two tenths of a point landings mean a lot.”

Despite the loss the team had some season and career highs. Grace Williams a major contributor to the teams score picked up another beam title with a 9.90. This is Williams eighth title this season and she is currently is ranked sixth in the nation on the balance beam. 

Laeng captured another vault title and tied her season high 9.875 for the second week in a row. Laeng now has 10 titles throughout the 2016 season. 

Blanske clinched the floor event title also tying her career high 9.95. Kendig said, “Some of the girls had a really good night, but again we weren’t able to put it all together.” Both Danielle Breen and Madison McConkey tied their career high tonight. Breen on the uneven bars 9.80 and McConkey on balance beam 9.675. 

Kendig wants the team embrace what has happened and move forward. “From here on out we are compete out of conference, therefore, we will have to compete for the championship come March 19” said coach. “

Rotation One:

The Huskers began the evening on vault, led by junior Jennie Laeng tying her season high 9.875. Blanske pitched in a 9.825 on the event. Williams adding a 9.725 into the mix and Schweihofer 9.700. Rounding out the Huskers score was Crouse with a 9.675. After the first rotation the Huskers are slightly behind Minnesota with a 48.800.

For the Golden Gophers, Lindsay Mable led the way on the uneven bars with a 9.875. Minnesota after the first rotation leads the way with a 49.075.  

Rotation Two:

NU moved to uneven bars for the second rotation. Laeng and Williams leading the way for the Huskers both scoring a 9.85. Danielle Breen led the Huskers off on the event with a 9.80 and teammate Blanske added a 9.775. McConkey contributed a strong performance earning a 9.775 to round out the Huskers score.  

Minnesota scored a 49.075 on vault, led by Bailey Abernathy scoring a 9.85.

After the second rotation, Minnesota leads the competition with a 98.125-97.825.  

Rotation Three:

The Huskers moved to the balance beam in the third rotation. NU showed some uncharacteristic wobbles throughout the event. Williams a solid beam performer leads the way for the Huskers earning a 9.90. Breen continued her strong performance for the night adding a 9.85. Blanske chips in a 9.750 and Schweihofer rounded out the Husker effort with a 9.725. 

Minnesota rotated to floor exercise for the third event. The Golden Gophers were led by senior Lindsay Mabel with a 9.925. 

After the third rotation, Nebraska is slightly behind the Golden Gophers. Minnesota with a 147.325, Nebraska 146.725.

Rotation Four:

The Huskers end the night on floor exercise. The Huskers were paced by Blanske tying career high 9.95. A trio of Huskers, Laeng, Orel and Williams put up a solid 9.875 to contribute to the score. Breen pitched in a 9.800 to help the Big Red to a season high score of 49.375 finish.  

Minnesota racked up a 48.975 on the balance beam, led by Lindsay Mabel with a 9.90.

Nebraska will return to action next Sunday, Feb. 21, to take on Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. In addition the Huskers will also be competing against NC State and Wisconsin-LA Crosse. The meet is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT. The Huskers will return home Feb. 27 for the Masters Classic, competing against, Northern Illinois, Sacramento State, Bridgeport and Utah State. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at huskers.com/tickets or by calling 1-800-8-BIG-RED. 

Notes

• Nebraska falls to a 27-11-1, but still remains on top overall
• Team records season high on floor exercise 49.375
• Danielle Breen ties season high on uneven bars 9.80
• Jennie Laeng ties season high on vault 9.875
• Jennie Laeng new career high on floor exercise 9.875
• Jennie Laeng won her fourth vault title of the season (at Arizona State, vs. Michigan, at Iowa)
• Madison McConkey ties season high on balance beam 9.675
• Grace Williams won her second balance beam title of the season (vs. Michigan)

Name	Vault	Bars	Beam	Floor	All-Around
Hollie Blanske	9.825	9.775	9.750	9.95	39.300
Danielle Breen	--	9.80	9.85	9.80	--
Jennie Laeng	9.875	9.85	--	9.875	--
Ashley Lambert	--	--	--	--	--
Madison McConkey	--	9.750	9.675	--	--
Catelyn Orel	9.55	--	--	9.30	--
Megan Schweihofer	9.725	9.725	9.475	9.875	38.625
Grace Williams	9.725	9.85	9.90	9.875	39.350
Team	Vault	Bars	Beam	Floor	Total
Nebraska	48.800	49.025	48.900	49.375	196.100
Minnestoa	49.050	49.075	48.975	49.200	196.300