Results

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Junior Nicole Pruchnik (Rochester, Mass.) claimed first place finishes on the beam and floor exercise to lead the Southern Connecticut State University gymnastics team to a season opening victory against Springfield College earlier tonight.

The Owls posted a team score of 188.625, while the Pride notched a 183.525.

Pruchnik tied for the top spot on the beam with a mark of 9.575 and led the field in the floor exercise with a 9.725. Freshman Alexandra Avendano (Burlington, Mass.) claimed first place on the vault in her collegiate debut with a score of 9.6.

Avendano's performance led a team effort in which the Owls captured the top four spots on the vault. Meghan Cole (Jackson, N.J.) and Jenny Kaufman (Lido Beach, N.Y.) tied for second with a 9.55. Pruchnik placed fourth with a 9.525.

Samantha Menichini (Shavertown, Pa.) had Southern's top showing on the bars, as she tied for second with a 9.4. Rachel de la Torre (New York, N.Y.) was fourth with a 9.35.

The Owls were stellar on the beam. Aside from Pruchnik's tie for first, Emily Shelton (Haverhill, Mass.) finished third with a 9.55. Cole was right behind in fourth with a 9.4. Taylor Rohrbaugh (Spring Grove, Pa.) took fifth with a 9.3, while Avendano was sixth with a 9.125.

Abigail Bensley (Malvern, Pa.) and Menichini tied for third on the floor with a 9.6. Chelcie Rosborough (Severn, Md.) was fourth with a 9.5.

SCSU is back in action on Jan. 17 for a home meet against Brown, Bridgeport and Rhode Island College.