Temple University Athletics
WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS MEETS PENN IN HOME OPENER
2.5.04 | Women's Gymnastics
The key to success for the Owls against the ever-improving Quakers will be consistent performances throughout the lineup. True freshman Noelle Moore serves as a reliable and dangerous competitor in the all-around. In her collegiate debut against Bridgeport she finished first on both floor exercise and beam. Moore also set Temple's season-high all-around score (38.325) in the George Washington Invitational.
A strong group of upperclassman will spark the Owl effort in specific individual events. Alexis Zafferes, Temple's leading vaulter, hopes to continue her unbeaten dual meet streak. Junior Erin Davis and seniors Jennifer Beaver and Paige Ozaroski have all consistently placed in the top three on bars and beam in the early season. Combining power, grace, and poise, the trio looks to continue its dominance in the events.
Penn visits McGonigle Hall coming off consecutive dual meet victories against defending Ivy Classic champion Yale and Wilson. Penn posted the program's fifth-highest team score in history (191.300) on Sunday, February 1 against Wilson.
The Quakers boast a diverse lineup of talent that will challenge the Owls on every piece of apparatus. Most recently, junior Alexandra Chalat and sophomore Julie Kikla swept all four top spots against Wilson. Chalat placed first on beam (9.700) and floor (9.825), while Kikla finished first on vault (9.625) and bars (9.700). Additional challengers for Penn include sophomore Emily Putkun, who holds the fourth best individual floor exercise score in Penn histoy and freshman Kara Dewhurst, the George Washington Invitational bars champion.
Temple leads the all-time series with Penn, 36-19. Last season, Temple defeated Penn twice. In a home tri-meet with Penn and Wilson, Temple outscored Penn 191.875-191.075 and in head-to-head competition at Hutch Gym the Owls topped the Quakers 190.400-190.325.
