University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
George Washington Invitational
Tar Heels Triumph In Washington D.C.
January 17, 2010 | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 17, 2010
Washington, D.C. - Christine Nguyen, Kara Wright and Krista Jasper were the top three all-around finishers as The University of North Carolina gymnastics team captured its eighth straight GW/Lindsey Ferris Invitational title. Seniors Nguyen and Wright won two events apiece and three freshman made an instant impact in their first collegiate meet. The Tar Heels scored a team-total 192.450 to finish 3.3 points ahead of second-place Temple.
"The seniors did a great job of leading the team and competing with confidence. The routines were well executed and the team was competing confidently," said Head Coach Derek Galvin. "Freshmen Michelle Ikoma, Meredith Magjuka and Elizabeth Durkac competed in their first collegiate meet and I was very happy with the way they competed. They performed very well.
"Krista Jasper competed in her first all-around and it was great to see her have a great meet and enjoy it. The team really seemed to enjoy competing today."
The UNC gymnasts began the day on uneven bars where they swept the first five spots in the individual standings. Wright secured the bars title, recording a score of 9.775. Nguyen took second with a score of 9.675 and freshman Meredith Magjuka placed third with 9.650 points. Jasper and freshman Michelle Ikoma tied for fourth after both scoring 9.575 on the event. An impressive set of routines gave the Tar Heels a 48.250 total on uneven bars and set the tone for a successful meet.
"The team did very well on bars," Galvin said. "It was our first event and it went well. Freshmen Meredith Magjuka and Michelle Ikoma led off and did a good job. They were followed by solid routines from Kara and Christine."
Following the team's first bye of the six-team invitational, the Tar Heels competed on balance beam and scored a team total 47.725. Nguyen led Carolina with a first place finish on beam and a score of 9.800. Magjuka tied for third with a 9.650 and freshman Elizabeth Durkac tied for eighth after posting a 9.550. Jasper finished in a tie for 15th place with a 9.450 and senior Kristina Jacob placed 19th with a 9.275. Despite a fall, Galvin said Jacob had a very solid routine.
Nguyen followed her first place finish on balance beam with a title on floor exercise. Nguyen scored a 9.850 and Wright completed the second one-two Tar Heel finish of the day with a 9.825. Jasper posted a 9.750 and tied for third. Junior Karli Jones tied for seventh with a 9.700 while Ikoma scored a 9.325 for 21st place.
The Tar Heels had a bye before they competed on their final event where Wright secured her second individual title with a 9.800 on vault. Wright led the team to a 48.025 total. Nguyen and Jones tied for 13th, both scoring 9.575. Ikoma finished in a tie for 16th with a 9.550 and Jasper recorded a 9.525 for 18th place.
"Penny [Jernigan] and I were looking for the level of execution and it was good," Galvin said. "We had a few spots where we can improve, but we're off to a good start."
Nguyen posted a 38.900 to take the all-around title and Wright finished second with a 38.600 total. Competing in all-around for the first time in her collegiate career, Jasper placed third with a 38.300.
"It was a fitting way for Kara and Christine to compete in their final George Washington Invitational," Galvin said. "Both competed well."
The Tar Heels return to action on Sunday, January 24 when they travel to Williamsburg, Va. for a 2 p.m. meet against William & Mary.
Team Scores
1. The University of North Carolina- 192.450
2. Temple University- 189.150
3. George Washington University- 187.825
4. Cornell University- 186.800
5. William & Mary- 183.575
6. The University of Pennsylvania- 179.550
Vault- 48.025
1. Kara Wright- 9.800
13. Christine Nguyen- 9.575
13. Karli Jones- 9.575
16. Michelle Ikoma- 9.550
18. Krista Jasper- 9.525
33. Elizabeth Durkac- 8.950
Uneven Bars- 48.250
1. Kara Wright- 9.775
2. Christine Nguyen- 9.675
3. Meredith Magjuka- 9.650
4. Michelle Ikoma- 9.575
4. Krista Jasper- 9.575
25. Elizabeth Durkac- 8.900
Beam- 47.725
1. Christine Nguyen- 9.800
3. Meredith Magjuka- 9.650
8. Elizabeth Durkac- 9.550
15. Krista Jasper- 9.450
19. Kristina Jacob- 9.275
22. Kara Wright- 9.200
Floor Exercise- 48.450
1. Christine Nguyen- 9.850
2. Kara Wright- 9.825
3. Krista Jasper- 9.750
7. Karli Jones- 9.700
21. Michelle Ikoma- 9.325
28. Taylor Brown- 8.900
All-Around
1. Christine Nguyen- 38.900
2. Kara Wright- 38.600
3. Krista Jasper- 38.300
Players Mentioned
