NC State
Oklahoma
Pack Falls Despite Record Debut Meet
1/14/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 14, 2011
RALEIGH, N.C. --- NC State gymnastics posted the highest season-opening score in team history in a losing effort to nationally fourth-ranked Oklahoma, 196.175-195.150, Friday night in Reynolds Coliseum.
The Pack’s score also represented the second-highest at a home opener, trailing only 2008’s 195.375 performance versus Auburn.
“Overall, I thought the competition was excellent tonight,” said NC State head coach Mark Stevenson. “It was the highest score we’ve ever had in an opening meet. We had no-fall meet, and anytime you have that you’re going to score well.”
The Wolfpack trailed after the first rotation, but nearly came from behind thanks to a spirited 49.000 effort on the floor, sparked by 9.85s from junior Jess Panza and freshman Stephanie Ouellette.
Ouellette finished first in the all-around, notching a 38.975 in the first meet of her career, and a 9.775 on the bars along with her team-leading floor routine.
Friday also marked the career-debut of Diahanna Ham, who led the team with a vault of 9.800 good for second-place at the meet.
“Stephanie and Diahanna both did exactly what we expected them to do,” said Stevenson. “They performed just how we expected them to from practice, but they put on a little more of a show tonight. I thought they made the biggest impact as freshmen that we’ve had in a while.”
Senior Brittany Vontz came through with a 9.85 on the bars to contribute to the team’s 48.950 total. Sophomore Rachel Fincham provided a 9.8, while Ouellette and Panza added a pair of 9.775s.
Juniors Brooke Barr and Jess Panza led the way on the beam with their 9.775s, helping the team to a 48.650.
“I’m extremely proud of the kids because of the way they worked and the attitude they brought to this weekend and this opportunity,” said Stevenson.
NC State enjoyed a crowd of 2,214 Friday night on hand to celebrate their first meet of the 2011 season.
Next week, the Wolfpack hosts 13th-ranked West Virginia at 7 p.m. in Reynolds Coliseum. Go Pack All-Access will stream live coverage at GoPack.com.
