Temple University Athletics
Canning Captures All-Around as Women's Gymnastics Wraps up Trip to Alaska
2.23.09 | Women's Gymnastics
Feb. 23, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Sophomore Katie Canning captured the all-around crown with a score of 38.775 and freshman Corrine Williams finished first on the balance beam (9.775) as the Owls wrapped up the final duel meet against Alaska-Anchorage.
As a team, the Cherry and White finished with a score of 190.725, just behind the Seawolves score of 192.150.
Recovering from Friday's uneven bar mistakes, the Owls hit five for six routines to top the Seawolves bar score with an event score of 47.975. "It was great to see the bar team not count any falls for today's competition. They were able to start the team out strong, with high hopes of winning the meet," said head coach Aaron Murphy.
Canning hit her season high on bars with a 9.65, which tied her for fourth place along with senior Nikki Berrian.
Vault seemed to be a mirror image from Friday evening's competition. Two of the six vaulters fell, costing the Owls over a point in their team score. However, sophomore Chelsea Lapent hit her career high on vault with a 9.575.
On floor exercise, the Owls hit five for six routines, ending with an event total of 48. 175, which
turned out to be the team's best event of the evening. Williams took second place with a 9.775 and senior Winter Sneed took third with a 9.70.
The Owls struggled all night on the balance beam. Senior Natasha Crawford hit a beautiful routine,but fell on a simple tuck jump three quarters. Sophomore Marissa Oxenford continued the beam problems with a fall on her round-off back tuck series. Junior Nina Oteri was able to fight for her team and hit for a solid 9.5. Canning was able to fix her mistakes from Friday's competition to hit her routine for a second place finish with a 9.75. And freshman Williams was given the anchor spot due to her powerhouse skills and consistency, and she truly shined in this spot with a first place finish with a 9.775.
The Owls are back in action this Saturday when they head to Southern Connecticut for a tri-meet. Action is slated to begin at 1:00 p.m.
