Feb. 16, 2008
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - In the most closely contested meet of the season, Rutgers beat out the Bulldogs 188.25-188.20 in the John J. Lee Amphitheater, during a combined Youth and Senior Day. Alina Liao took home the bars title, while Brigitte Kivisto walked away with the floor one, her first event win this season.
Yale received nice contributions on vault from Allison Mak (9.475) and Lauren Tatsuno (9.425). Laura Lombardi competed a more difficult vault than usual, scoring a 9.2. Mak placed third on the event.
Bars was a rough spot for the Bulldogs, having to count two falls. Cynthia Leung led off with a 9.15, and Sarah Hughes made her bar line-up debut, scoring an 8.45. Kivisto had a solid routine that earned a 9.525 and fourth place. Liao hit all her handstands, winning the event with a 9.725.
However, the Bulldogs picked it up on beam, delivering six solid routines. Mak earned a 9.55, and then Lombardi stuck her dismount for a 9.65. Kivisto also stuck her landing, adding a 9.625. Tatsuno (9.675) and Liao (9.725) were flawless, placing in fourth and second, respectively.
"I think it's very unusual for a team to depend on beam to lift them up!" said Head Coach Barbara Tonry.
Floor was another nice set for Yale. Kristen Campbell (9.575), Kivisto (9.675), and Tatsuno (9.65) all had strong tumbling that edged on the home crowd. Katherine Yao added a 9.4, and Liao scored a 9.375. Kivisto and Tatsuno pulled a 1-2 finish on the event to end the meet.
Rutgers' Laura Severino won the all-around competition with a 38.35. Liao placed second with a 38.05, and Campbell's 36.425 put her in third.
After the competition, the Bulldogs honored their four graduating seniors: Campbell, Leung, Lombardi, and Yao.
"Hopefully we'll have everyone healthy and hitting their routines for Ivies," said Tonry. "This week, we need to work on our landings and consistency."
Next Sunday, Feb. 24, the Bulldogs will be competing in the Ivy League Classic, hosted by Cornell. Competition starts at 1pm.
Report filed by Cathy Jan '09, Yale Sports Publicity