Gymnastics Wins Home Finale, Sets Record

In their last home meet of the 2002 season, the Tar Heels broke yet another record at home: the 2-year-old vault team score.

Behind the record-breaking performance, the Tar Heels totaled 195.100 points Friday, defeating William & Mary and Towson, which finished with 190.550 and 189.300 points, respectively.

UNC's vault score of 49.000 eclipsed the previous mark of 48.975 set two years ago. Olivia Trusty led the Tar Heels' effort, tying for first place in the event with a score of 9.875.

The new vault record adds to two other records recently broken at home. The overall team score and team floor score were both broken Feb. 17 against James Madison.

"What we have achieved this season is a team accomplishment," said UNC coach Derek Galvin. "I find being able to have many different people score high on many events is phenomenal."

Also remarkable is that the Tar Heels (13-6) had an abbreviated week of practice to prepare for the meet. With a meet last Sunday, practice time was short, but the emotion of the season's last home meet helped the team through the night.

"In a short week like this, people are tired," Galvin said. "The emotional value of this meet helped us through."

Senior Monica Middleton won the overall competition in her last home meet with a score of 38.875.

"It was important for us to win as a team," Middleton said. "It puts us in a good position in terms of our confidence level."

UNC also swept the top three places in the balance beam, with Natalie Halbach winning the event with a score of 9.900.

The only real problem for the Tar Heels was the balance beam. After last week's flawless performances, the Tar Heels recorded a half-point deduction for falling.

"Although the energy level was the same as the last few weeks for us, it's hard to go without any mistakes for so long," Middleton said.

After the low beam score, the Tar Heels rebounded with a high uneven bars mark. They were led by Middleton, who placed first with a score of 9.850.

Anna Wilson placed third in the overall competition for UNC with a score of 38.500.

The wins against William & Mary (6-7) and Towson (10-9) gave the Tar Heels a perfect 6-0 home mark this season.

More importantly, Galvin said the wins have boosted the team's confidence as the final leg of the season approaches.

"Our previous meets with big schools have given us focus," Galvin said. "In the environment that the NCAA competition presents, they need focus."

The Sports Editor can be reached at sports@unc.edu.