Pitt Gains Competition Experience in Blue-Gold Exhibition
12/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
KENT, Ohio -- The University of Pittsburgh gymnastics team got its first feel of competition Friday evening as the Panthers traveled to Kent State for its annual Blue-Gold Exhibition which took place in the M.A.C. Center.
“One step at a time,” said head coach Debbie Yohman. “It was very motivational for the girls. They look at the work we now have to do going into January with a lot more excitement. They had a good outing and that is very positive and motivational. Great takeaway from tonight.”
The Golden Flashes outscored Pitt, 192.675-191.125, but the Panthers finished ahead of Kent State on vault [48.325-47.950] and bars [47.675-47.475]. Pitt scored a 47.300 on beam as a team and tallied a 47.825 mark on floor.
“We are lightyears ahead of where we were last year,” said Yohman. “Mostly because we have more depth and are in better health. We have a month to get ready for the first meet and clean up the mistakes we made.”
VAULT
The Panthers placed four gymnasts in the top five on vault. Junior Tracey Pearson stole the show finishing in first place with a 9.800, while freshman Brittany West placed second with a 9.750. Pitt also placed in the fourth and fifth spots, with junior Erika Reichert [9.650] and senior Miya Dotson [9.625], respectively.
BARS
Kent State posted the top three finishers on bars, but the Panthers placed in the next five spots, with senior Lindsay Offutt and sophomore Taylor Laymon tying for fourth place overall. Both gymnasts scored a 9.625.
BEAM
Offutt, who is the reigning EAGL champion on beam, led the way for Pitt on the event scoring a 9.775 to place her second overall. Junior Kelly Burak fell in third behind Offutt with a 9.725.
FLOOR
Offutt also placed second on floor, earning a 9.825. Pearson's 9.675 was Pitt's second-best score on the event.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will officially open their season at home on Sunday, January 10, 2016 when they welcome Maryland, Eastern Michigan and first EAGL foe of the season Towson. The meet is slated to begin at 2 p.m.
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