CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The University of Pennsylvania gymnastics team opened its weekend in the Midwest with a victory over Southeast Missouri on Friday night. The Quakers outscored the Redhawks 191.900-188.875, led by big scores on beam by freshman Natalie Yang and senior Caroline Moore.

BARS
Two Quakers earned at least a 9.700 on Penn's first rotation with sophomore Jordyn Mannino leading the way with a 9.775, the fifth time she garnered at least a 9.675 this season on the uneven bars. Libby Garfoot was the other, picking up a 9.700. To round out Penn's 47.600, Tara Mills picked up a 9.625, Rose Hoffman scored a 9.450 and Caroline Mitsch finished the top five with a 9.050. Through the first rotation, Penn led by .700.

VAULT
Penn moved to vault and Lauren Joost kicked things off with a 9.625, continuing her impressive run. Mills followd that with a 9.475 and senior Nicole Swirbalus put together a 9.400. Valerie Rube and Sydney Kraez finished off the rotation with big scores of 9.625 and 9.725, respectively, for a team score of 47.850.

FLOOR
The Red and Blue transitioned to floor and once again expanded their advantage over SEMO. The floor was Penn's best event of the night, finishing with a 48.300. Darcy Matsuda led off with a 9.650, Rube matched that score and then Mannino and Kraez both earned a 9.725. To round out the five scorers, Swirbalus picked up a 9.550.

BEAM
Penn secured the victory on beam with a combined score of 48.150. Freshman Natalie Yang unloaded a massive 9.875, setting a career high for the second consecutive week. Caroline Moore also hit the 9.800 range while Matsuda and Joost scored a 9.700 and 9.675. Swirbalus rounded out the five with a 9.100.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Penn is back in action on Sunday in St. Charles to compete with Lindenwood and Illinois-Chicago.

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