Temple University Athletics
Owls Host Rams on Annual Senior Day
3.2.07 | Women's Gymnastics
March 2, 2007
PHILADELPHIA - The Temple women's gymnastics team (7-10) will host its final home competition of the season as they take on Rhode Island in dual-meet action. The competition, which is scheduled for Saturday March 3 at 1:00 pm in McGonigle Hall, will also honor five incredible senior student-athletes.
Earlier this week, first-year head coach Aaron Murphy took some time to reflect on the careers of his 5 seniors.
"Jillian Kornett is easily one of the hardest workers I've ever had the pleasure to coach. She has had to work through many aches and pains, and her desire to be a true all-around competitor has driven her for all four years. It will be very hard to lose Jill next season."
"Sarah Liebowitz is an overall joy to have in the gym. Whenever the team is having a rough day, she brings out the personalities of each and every girl, and knows how to keep everyone motivated. If the team is to be successful in the upcoming years, we'll need more girls like Sarah on the squad."
"Noelle Moore is that quiet and shy type of gymnast that leads by example. She is truly the most consistent gymnast on this team. Noelle is a prime example of how to train and compete as a college gymnast. Moore also boasts the conferences #1 ranking in the floor exercise with an average of 9.720."
"Donna Crowell works so hard and has done everything in her power to become a better gymnast. It's not everyday that an athlete can put 110% into each workout, but Donna manages to do so everyday. She is by far the most improved gymnast out of the five seniors."
"Allison Williams was a tremendous vaulter and balance beam worker for us during her freshman year at Temple. Unfortunately, a series of knee injuries prevented her from coming back to top form for her senior season. Regardless, she is an incredible student, has an excellent attitude, and has a very bright future ahead of her as she pursues a career in criminal justice."
Murphy will look to his team to build upon their season-high score of 191.200 that they accomplished last weekend at Maryland.
"I keep reinforcing to the women that consistency is key, and that if they hit, the scores will come," said Murphy.
Sophomore Christine McNeill will be back in the uneven bars line-up after suffering a toe injury. However, the team will most likely be without the services of junior Alycia Petitto. Petitto suffered a bone bruise after hyper-extending her knee a couple of weeks ago.
"Right now, it looks as if she'll be out for the regular season. However, there is a possibility she'll be ready on the uneven bars come post-season," said Murphy.
The Temple women's gymnastics team will not have to travel far for their next competition, as they head to West Chester University on Thursday March 8 for a 6:00 pm meet.
