Tribe Matches Season-High Score at Hearts Invite

02/17/07 10:30PM

Raleigh, N.C. - William and Mary women’s gymnastics matched its season-high score of 186.225 Saturday night at the annual Hearts Invitational in Raleigh, finishing fifth against an elite field of national-level competition. Eight-time NCAA Championship participant Nebraska, ranked sixth in the nation, captured the team title with final tally of 196.700, followed by 24th-ranked West Virginia (194.700), N.C. State (194.600) and George Washington (191.175).

Senior Christina Padilla (Sterling, Va.) led the Tribe in two events, recording scores of 9.675 on vault and 9.550 on bars. Junior Tricia Long (Humble, Texas) was solid in all four events, leading the team on beam (9.575) and floor with a season-high 9.625. Long finished with an all-around score of 37.775.

In just her second competition of the season, junior Stevie Waldman (Downingtown, Pa.) provided a boost to the floor line-up performing her first routine since the 2005 season to the tune of 9.550. Behind the Tribe’s junior duo, the team recorded a season-high total of 46.475 on floor. Sophomore Becca Bacharach (Lancaster, Pa.) helped out with a season and career-high 9.525.

Bacharach was solid on beam as well with a 9.300, though the team had to count multiple falls in the event. Senior Jess Randall (West Hartford, Conn.) continued to work back from a preseason injury, notching a 9.275.

Freshman Ali Medeiros (Hudson, Ohio) continued her standout rookie season, posting the team’s second-best scores on vault (9.325) and bars (9.450).

W&M returns to action next weekend, making the trip to Columbia, Missouri to participate in the Cat Classic and Mizzou. The field will include the host Tigers, Illinois State and Ball State.

Complete Results


Final Score: Nebraska 196.975, WVU 194.700, N.C. State 194.600, GW 191.175, W&M 186.225

William and Mary Team Scoring
Vault: 46.725
Bars: 46.650
Beam: 46.375
Floor: 46.375
Total: 186.225

Top W&M Individuals
Vault: Christina Padilla (9.675)
Bars: Christina Padilla (9.550)
Beam: Tricia Long (9.575)
Floor: Tricia Long (9.625)
All-Around: Tricia Long (37.775)