This is quietly a fascinating matchup. Penn State has the edge in consistency, but Rutgers owns the higher top number, one just shy of its program-best. The Scarlet Knights are on a roll, putting up a 196.375 at home last week versus Illinois. It was almost enough to top the Illini. One more 9.8-level number on bars is Rutgers’ ticket to move the needle even further.
Penn State has held consistently around the mid-195 mark, the exception being a 196.000 at home. That meet featured some major mistakes—though none that counted—so the Nittany Lions are still well back from their potential. That’s especially true considering that two of their top performers are freshmen. Amani Herring as proven to be a top beamer, and Ava Piedrahita is a solid all-arounder.
For Rutgers, Elia Aird has emerged as a leader in her junior season, and Emily Leese continues to shine on vault and floor.
Program record numbers to watch for Rutgers include a 196.400 total and a 39.500 in the all-around.
ROTATION 1: Penn State vault, Rutgers bars
AFTER 1:
ROTATION 2: Penn State bars, Rutgers vault
AFTER 2:
ROTATION 3: Penn State beam, Rutgers floor
AFTER 3:
ROTATION 4: Penn State floor, Rutgers beam
FINAL:
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