BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The Long Island University women's gymnastics team competed for the first time in program history on Saturday, Feb. 13, hosting the University of New Hampshire in its inaugural meet at the Pratt Recreation Center. The visiting Wildcats just edged out the Sharks, earning a 192.050-190.575 victory in East Atlantic Gymnastics League action.
 
Lauren Miller kicked off the Sharks' day with a 9.375 on vault, while Alana Ricketts recorded a 9.625 with her attempt. LIU compiled a 47.250 team score on vault, while New Hampshire posted a 48.425 to take the early lead after the first rotation.
 
On the second rotation, Alisson Lapp posted a 9.700 on her uneven bar routine, while Katy Koopman notched a 9.600 score to lead LIU to a 46.875 team score. New Hampshire compiled a 47.425 score on vault, led by a meet-best 9.675 by Mariella Miele to lead 95.850-94.125 at the midway point.
 
The Blue and Gold shined on the balance beam, posting six scores of 9.500 or better, led by Lapp's 9.800 routine. Lapp finished third overall in the event, while Alyssa van Allen and Taylor Doten tied for fourth with 9.750's. LIU recorded its best rotation score on the beam, tallying 48.400 points. The Wildcats were equally as impressive in the third rotation, posting 48.475 points in floor exercise to extend their lead by .425 points.
 
LIU was impressive as well on the floor, using four scores over 9.500 to finish with 48.050 points during the final rotation. Amanda Loo led the Sharks with a 9.725 routing to finish third overall, while Lapp and Miller notched 9.675 and 9.650 routines, respectively.
 
In the all-around event, Koopman posted a score of 38.175 but was edged out by New Hampshire's Robyn Kelley who recorded a 39.025 total.
 
LIU will return to action on Friday, Feb. 19 when it travels to Maryland for a quad-meet with fellow EAGL members Towson University, University of Pittsburgh, and the University of North Carolina. Live video and live results will be available for the event.