Huskers Tally Four Individual Titles Against Sooners

Lincoln, Neb. – The 10th-ranked Nebraska women’s gymnastics team had three gymnasts combine for four individual event titles, but it was not enough to upset No. 5 Oklahoma in a 196.30-195.80 loss at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Sunday afternoon. The Huskers are now 4-4 (3-1 Big 12) on the year, while OU improves to 8-0 (1-0 Big 12).

“We did not do what we set out to do today,” Head Coach Dan Kendig said. “Our goal was to average a 196.00 this weekend. I know this team is better than this, but I also know it’s still early in February. We have to work harder and get back in the gym.”

Sophomore Janelle Giblin captured her first all-around crown of the season with a score of 39.075. The San Ramon, Calif., native also won the uneven bars title with a 9.875 to tie OU’s Natasha Kelley, in addition to placing fifth on vault (9.85) and posting marks of 9.70 on floor and 9.65 on beam.

“Janelle comes to competitions and steps it up,” Kendig said. “I’m very proud of Janelle. She starts us off on bars so well. She’s got a good head on her shoulders.”

Senior Erin Davis topped the vault standings with a 9.925, tying with Oklahoma’s Sara Stone, while junior Lora Evenstad finished first on floor exercise after recording a 9.875.

“We did well, but we did not do our best,” Kendig said. “This is a sport that is judged on perfection. We did not do our best today.”

Nebraska opened the meet on vault and Davis once again led the Huskers, hitting a 9.925 for the fourth time this season. Giblin and Jamie Schleppenbach both posted scores of 9.85, while Maddie Steinauer and Brittany Skinner added a 9.825 each. Nebraska ended the first rotation with a vault total of 49.275, ahead of Oklahoma’s bars total of 49.175.

The Huskers moved to bars, where Giblin hit a 9.875 for the second time this season. Evenstad and Maria Scaffidi posted a 9.80 each. Emily Wong added a 9.775, while Skinner notched a 9.70 for NU. Nebraska posted a bars score of 48.925, giving it a total of 98.20 heading to beam. Oklahoma took the lead at the halfway point of the meet, posting a total score of 98.525.

NU continued to beam, where Wong received a mark of 9.80, and both Steinauer and Skinner hit a 9.775 each. Skinner’s score was a season high for her on the year. Habbib added a 9.80, while Scaffidi posted a 9.675. The Huskers received a beam total of 48.725, giving them a running score of 146.925 to the Sooners’ 147.70.

Nebraska capped the day on floor, where Evenstad took the floor title for the third time this year, tacking on a 9.875. Steinauer and Davis both contributed a score 9.80, and Wong and Giblin each recorded a 9.70. Nebraska tallied a 48.875 on floor, giving the Huskers a total of 195.80 to Oklahoma’s 196.30.

“Next week will not be any easier,” Kendig said. “We have a big test next weekend, we have to be a little more competitive.”

The Huskers hit the road next weekend for a tri-meet with Michigan and Stanford in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Sunday, Feb. 13 at noon. Nebraska’s next home meet is on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m., when Bowling Green, Iowa and Kentucky come to town for the Masters Classic.