Stephenson, Epperson Earn Individual Titles at Penn State

State College, Pa. --- Freshman Anton Stephenson claimed his second consecutive all-around title, while junior Austin Epperson took home his first floor title, in the Huskers' Big-Ten meet against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Friday night. 

The men's gymnastics team kicked off the night on pommel horse where Antonio Castro led the team with a 14.60. Stephenson helped out with a new personal-best score of 14.50. Jordan King pitched in a 14.45 and Ethan Lottman overcame a fall to post a 14.35. Ryan Irick added 13.75. The team finished with a 71.65 on the event.

The Huskers made up major ground on floor, gaining almost a five-point lead on the Nittany Lions (146.300-141.600), despite trailing by 0.9 after the first event. The team got off to an explosive start on the first two routines after Connor Adamsick and Andrew Zymball both suck landings to post scores of 14.95 and 14.55, respectfully. Kyle King, who holds the school record on the event, earned a 14.45. Stephenson added a 15.30, while Epperson notched a personal-best score (15.40) to bring the team total to 74.65.

NU built off the momentum from floor to earn a 73.60 on vault. Castro got things off to a great start with a 14.50. Alex Magsam earned a 14.20 for his performance. Sam Chamberlain earned a 14.80. Stephenson and K. King led the event with scores of 15.10 and 15.00, respectfully.

Nebraska moved to still rings where Epperson paved the way with a 14.35. Brennon Sommers added support with 14.25. Joshua Everitt and Ryan Irick each posted scores of 14.15, while Magsam earned 14.00. As a team, the Huskers finished with 70.90. Stephenson, competing in the all-around, scored 13.70.

On high bar, J. King earned a 14.60, after sticking his landing and Lottman posted a personal-best score of 14.05 on the event. Daniel Leal showed resilience after falling. The sophomore stuck his landing and ended with a score of 12.85. Castro added a 13.70, while Stephenson notched a 13.80 to bring the team total to 69.00.

The Huskers trailed Penn State 259.800-261.900, heading in the last rotation and made a valiant effort to regain the lead. Leal led the come-back effort with a personal-best score of 14.90. All-American Sam Chamberlain bounced back from a fall to finish with 14.45. Stephenson earned a 14.35 and Epperson added 13.90. J. King pitched in a 13.70, while Sanjaya Roy, competing as an exhibitioner claimed a career-best score of 13.45. As a team, the Huskers earned 71.30 on the event. Nebraska fought hard through parallel bars, but it wasn't enough. At the end of the night, Penn State topped the Huskers 433.600- 431.100.

The Huskers return home on March 20, for their final meet of the regular season.  Seniors Sam Chamberlain, Ryan Irick and Ethan Lottman will be honored for their hard work and dedication to the program. The meet is set to begin at 2 p.m. Check back to huskers.com for more information.