ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 30 Penn State women's gymnastics team placed third at the Big Five Meet on Saturday with a team score of 195.850. The score was the team's third highest score of the 2021 season.
"I am so proud of the team today," Head Coach Sarah Brown said. "We started strong and finished stronger! This was truly a team effort and I am so proud of how we handled the rotation, the bye and the energy in the arena."
For the third consecutive meet, the Nittany Lions posted a season high score on bars, setting a new high mark with a score of 49.325. Leading the way was senior Ava Verdeflor, who recorded a career high score of 9.950 to claim the first event win of her career. The score is the highest by any Penn State gymnast on the apparatus this year. Teammate Alissa Bonsall finished second on bars with a 9.925, setting a career high of her own.
The team also set a season high on beam for the third time in the past four meets, posting a team score of 49.225. Natalie Cross' 9.900 set a career high as she finished third overall in the event. Maddie Johnston also set a new career high with a 9.875 to place sixth.
The Nittany Lions posted their second highest score of the year on vault with a 48.875. Alissa Bonsall and Cassidy Rushlow tied for the team lead with matching scores of 9.825.
"Alissa had a great day and Maddie and Natalie continue to be consistent and strong on each event," Brown said. "I am so proud of Ava for the work she has put in. This is the first of four trips in a row and I know we can keep getting stronger."
Penn State has now recorded its three highest team scores this season over the course of its last four weeks.
The Nittany Lions will be back in action on March 7 when they travel to Columbus, Ohio for a dual meet with Ohio State.