The sixth-seeded Terrapins gymnastics team placed fifth Saturday at the Fayetteville Regional Championships with a 194.400 score, capping this year with the third-highest postseason score in program history.
The Terps improved their national ranking to No. 28 after this weekend, the highest it has been in 11 years.
“It is such a huge step for the program,” coach Brett Nelligan said. “To make it with such a young team shows a lot about our overall direction.”
In her final meet as a Terp, senior Kyra Phillips posted a 9.850 on vault to tie for seventh at the meet, while sophomore Katie Dodds tied for 11th on floor with a 9.850.
In parting ways with the team’s only two seniors – Phillips and Becca Pang – Nelligan was thankful for their transformative work with the program.
“They have both been here and been part of the program moving forward,” he said. “I’m so appreciative of all their hard work, and I’m excited to see them come back and see the ground work they laid out.”
As he eyed the future, Nelligan felt as though this season was only a stepping stone. Next year, he said, the Terps can achieve even great things.
“This young team now understands what it takes to be successful,” he said. “Next season, we’re going to come out wiser and more seasoned.”
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