FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 3, 2003

Rhode Island College Gymnastics Update #5

(2-6 Overall; 2-3 in the ECAC)

Providence, RI--Head Coach Nicole Pannone’s team is 2-6 overall and 2-3 in the ECAC (Div. III). RIC dropped a tri-match with Div. II Southern Connecticut at Springfield on Sunday, Mar. 2. The Anchorwomen posted a scored 182.750 while Springfield recorded a score of 183.450. Southern Connecticut swept the meet with a score of 185.725. The score was the highest of the season for the Anchorwomen.

Sophomore Ashley O’Blenis (Warren, RI) is averaging scores of 9.016 on vault, 8.913 on bars, 8.803 on beam, 9.575 on floor and 36.650 in the all-around. O’Blenis finished second on floor with a score of 9.575 at Springfield/Southern Connecticut.

Sophomore Caren Normandin (Fall River, MA) is averaging scores of 9.144 on vault, 8.653 on bars, 9.191 on beam, 9.103 on floor and 36.091 in the all-around.

Senior Shannon Hughey (Warwick, RI) is averaging scores of 9.025 on vault, 9.088 on bars, 7.738 on beam, 9.250 on floor and 34.996 in the all-around. Hughey scored a season high mark of 9.325 on vault vs. Springfield/Southern Connecticut.

Junior Nikki Longo (Raynham, MA) is averaging scores of 8.969 on vault, 8.554 on bars, 8.944 on beam, 8.175 on floor and 34.438 in the all-around. Longo posted a season-high score of 9.400 on beam vs. Springfield/Southern Connecticut.

Junior Nicole Simone (Johnston, RI) is averaging scores of 8.316 on beam and 8.784 on floor. Simone recorded a career-high score of 9.400 on floor vs. Springfield/Southern Connecticut.

Freshman Staci Freedman (Raynham, MA) is averaging scores of 8.928 on vault, 7.947 on bars, 9.047 on beam, 9.216 on floor and 35.138 in the all-around.

Freshman Christy Pforr (Pembroke, MA) is averaging scores of 8.600 on vault, 7.000 on bars and 8.670 on floor.

Freshmen Heather Turano (Westerly, RI) is averaging scores of 8.585 on vault and 6.900 on bars. Turano injured her elbow in practice and is out indefinitely.

Junior  Nicki Turner (Salem, NH) is averaging a score of 8.888 on beam.

Freshman Kevin Hurley (Westerly, RI) is averaging a score of 8.700 on vault.

In upcoming action, RIC will take part in the ECAC Div. III Championships, hosted by SUNY-Cortland, on Saturday, Mar. 15.

-end-