In the Maryland gymnastics team’s first meet of the season at the Little Boston Invitational, the squad struggled on the bars, costing it key points as it began its campaign.
Donning their red and black leotards for the first time since finishing just 1-9 in Big Ten play last year, the Terps placed third with a 194.100 score behind Temple (194.875) and New Hampshire (194.175), but ahead of Towson (193.800).
While two Terps posted at least a 9.8 score on the bars, junior Shynelle Agaran recorded an 8.8 and freshman Karrie Thomas managed just an 8.2. That led to a 47.850 score on the bars — the team’s worst finish of the night.
Maryland began its first rotation with vault, as sophomore Morgan Bixler and freshman Audrey Barber each earned 9.8 scores. The Terps finished vault with a total of 48.775.
After faltering on the bars, Maryland looked to turn around its fortunes on the beam. Barber led the Terps with a score of 9.85. Agaran and Thomas bounced back as they scored 9.825 and 9.8, respectively, leading to a 48.925 team finish.
In the final floor rotation, Thomas scored a 9.85, and sophomore Alecia Farina trailed just behind her with a 9.775. The team finished the floor with a total score of 48.550.
The Terps will travel to Minnesota on Saturday, Jan. 13 for their next meet against Minnesota, Winona State and Northern Illinois.
