University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Towson
Tar Heels Edged Out by Towson, 194.225-194.325
February 7, 2020 | Women's Gymnastics
Towson, Md. – The North Carolina women's gymnastics team lost a close meet to Towson University on Friday in SECU Arena. Despite claiming the lead after the third rotation, the Tar Heels were edged out by .100 following the Tigers' performances on floor. Towson defeated UNC 194.325 to 194.225.
The Tar Heels opened the meet on the uneven bars and improved their team score from last week by 1.150, earning a 48.075. Freshman Elizabeth Culton tied her season high on the event, scoring a 9.850 and placing second overall. Senior Mekyllah Williams had the Tar Heels second-highest score, posting a 9.675, and sophomore Emery Summey was close behind with a 9.650.
After the first rotation, the Tar Heels were trailing Towson by 0.675 points. The Tar Heels were undeterred and posted a consistent score of 48.600 as a team on vault. Senior Khazia Hislop posted her second consecutive 9.900 on the event, claiming first place for the Tar Heels and at the meet. Fellow senior Mikayla Robinson was close behind, earning third place with a 9.775. Sophomore Drew Aldridge also added a 9.725 to the team score.
The Tar Heels moved on to the floor for the third rotation, where they posted a strong 48.975 as a team. Hislop led the team on the event with a 9.825, while freshman Hannah Nam, Culton, and Robinson all scored 9.800. Senior Jamie Antinori also added a 9.750 through this rotation. Strong scores across the team allowed the Tar Heels to take the lead following this rotation, 145.650-145.550.
As North Carolina moved on to the beam for their final rotation, they attempted to hang on the .100 lead they had gained. The Tar Heels put up strong performances, with Nam posting a career-high 9.825 to lead the team, followed close behind by Hislop with a 9.800. However, a team score of 48.575 on the event was not enough to edge out the Towson Tigers score of 48.775 on the floor for their final rotation.
Despite falling to Towson, North Carolina still left Towson with seven podium finishes, including first place on floor and vault. Elizabeth Culton was also able to edge out a fellow freshman from Towson, Lauren Bolen, in the all-around competition to claim first place with a score of 38.475.
Next Up
The Tar Heels will return to NC State next weekend for a tri-meet with another EAGL opponent, New Hampshire. The competition will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 3:45 p.m. in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh.
Players Mentioned
