DURHAM, N.H. — The LIU gymnastics team opened its 2024 season on a high note.

The Sharks produced a score of 195.225 to defeat host New Hampshire (194.800) as well as Bridgeport (192.800) on Sunday at the Whittemore Center.

Syd Morris picked up where the sophomore left off a year ago, winning the balance beam with a score of 9.975. Morris also matched UNH's Kylie Gorgenyi for the top all-around score (39.375).

"When it comes to beam especially, I've taught myself how to let my body weight sink into the wood, as if my feet become a part of the beam," Morris said. "I know that if I take my time and feel that the beam is right there below me, the landings I'm crossing my fingers for will fall right into my hands. For tonight's performance, I made a goal for myself that I shared with my team and coaches. I put a bar up for myself knowing that I had the potential to grab it."

Morris and Alana Ricketts led the way for the Sharks in the vault, each producing scores of 9.775.

"I am so proud of this team," coach Randy Lane said. "We spent the entire fall preseason working on making this day happen. We have worked to build the culture of this program and to genuinely care about one another in both fun times and tough times. Our goal today was to invite fun in and enjoy every moment cheering and supporting one another. Mission accomplished. We are looking forward to continuing this season of growth and embracing every moment along the way."

Said Ricketts: "This is only the beginning, and I can't wait for us to show everyone what we can do."

Morris, the 2023 EAGL Rookie of the Year, also had LIU's top score in the bars at 9.800 and the floor routine at 9.825.

Morris is the program record holder in vault, floor and all-around.

"As the reigning EAGL Rookie of the Year, Syd delivered today and stepped up as a great leader while competing and supporting this team," Lane said. "And wow, that beam routine was amazing. I'm looking forward to more of that success for Syd this season."

This season marks LIU's first with a true senior class. Six gymnasts have been with the program since the inaugural season in 2020: Taylor Doten, Lauren Miller, Ella Barrington, Rickets, Cael Bixler and Riley Goldberg.

Six freshmen also joined the Sharks for the 2024 season. They include Brisa Carraro, a member of the 2023 world team for Argentina. In her LIU debut on Sunday, Carraro scored 9.650 on the bars.

"The atmosphere was amazing and the energy was crazy," said Kate Parks, who also debuted by competing in the vault and bars.

Said Lane: "This was a total team effort from the moment we got on the bus to leave LIU until the last routine was completed today. This is what our season will be about — team first."

The Sharks host New Hampshire as well as Southern Connecticut State and Yale next Sunday at 2 p.m. at Pratt Recreation Center.