University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
NC State, Michigan, Towson
Haley Watts Wins Third in the All-Around As UNC Takes Third Place in Raleigh Invitational
January 18, 2014 | Women's Gymnastics
RALEIGH, N.C. - The North Carolina gymnastics team beat Towson to finish third in Friday night's invitational meet hosted by NC State. Haley Watts proved to be consistent for the Tar Heels, finishing third in the all-around.
In its second competition of the season, UNC traveled up the road to Raleigh where they faced NC State, Michigan and Towson. Although the Tar Heels defeated Towson, they struggled to hang with Michigan, currently ranked number eight in the country, and NC State, who was determined to bounce back from its loss last Sunday.
"As a team, we had a stronger performance on vault and floor [than last week]. We also had some strong individual performances," said Head Coach Derek Galvin. "But it's the little things that count. We need to be more mentally focused."
The Tar Heels began the meet on beam and managed to earn an overall sore of 47.825. Contributing for UNC was Meredith Magjuka with a score of 9.800, Megan Marenghi with a 9.725, and Janell Sargent with a strong 9.825. Even with a fall, Watts earned a 9.250. In addition, Josselyn Mackey scored a 9.225 and Christina Pheil a 9.150.
Carolina next competed on floor and scored an overall 48.800 to beat their score of 48.300 from last meet.
"Floor, as a team, was much better than in the last meet. Christina [Pheil], Haley [Watts] and Lexi [Cappalli] all did great routines. Kristin Aloi was also better," said Galvin.
Pheil and Cappalli both scored a 9.850 to help lead the Heels. Watts added a strong 9.825, Aloi a 9.725 and Magjuka a 9.550.
Moving onto vault, UNC scored a total of 48.575 to tie their score from the previous meet. Watts had a stronger performance than on Sunday, earning a 9.825 to put her first for the Heels. Pheil scored a 9.725, Cappalli and Sarah Peterson each scored a 9.700, Michelle Ikoma totaled a 9.625 and Mackey added a 9.575.
For the last round, Carolina took to the uneven bars. Ikoma finished fourth overall with a score of 9.825, and Watts contributed a solid 9.800. Also competing for the Tar Heels was Mackey with a score of 9.675, Cappalli with a 9.200, and Marenghi and Cosentino who each struggled to score an 8.500 and 8.750 respectively.
Watts was able to bring some consistency to the Carolina team as she competed in all four events and finished third in the all-around with a score of 38.700.
It was a tough meet for the Tar Heels who suffered from a lot of uncommon mistakes. The team totaled an overall score of 192.450, 3.200 points behind second place rival NC State and 4.350 points behind first place Michigan.
"We know we just have to work a little more on being mentally focused throughout the entire meet," said Galvin. "We have a week to prepare for Maryland, and the team understands that we are stronger than what we exhibited here today."
The Tar Heels look to redeem themselves on Sunday, Jan. 26, when they will host the University of Maryland at home in Carmichael Arena at 2 p.m.
Players Mentioned
