Ohio State
Rutgers
Mattern’s Career Day Lifts No. 19 Ohio State over Rutgers
2/4/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Feb. 4, 2017
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – On the heels of a career day from junior Alexis Mattern, the No. 19 Ohio State women’s gymnastics team earned a 195.775-194.300 win over Rutgers Saturday afternoon at St. John Arena.
“I’m happy with the way the team stepped up and handled adversity on all four events,” Carey Fagan, Ohio State head coach, said. “There were moments in the meet that tested the team and they responded every time. It was not our best performance of the season but I know it will leave the team hungry as we travel to Penn State next week.”
The Buckeyes began the meet with a 49.025 on vault. Mattern placed first with a 9.850 while Jamie Stone and Jaine VanPutten tallied a 9.825 to tie for second.
Ohio State then earned a 48.775 on uneven bars in the second rotation. Mattern and Olivia Aepli each posted a 9.825 to tie for first on the event.
At the midway point, Ohio State held a 97.800-96.775 lead over the Scarlet Knights.
In the third rotation, the Buckeyes tallied a 48.900 on balance beam. Taylor Harrison tallied a season-best 9.875 to win the event while Stefanie Merkle picked up a 9.850 to tie for second.
The Buckeyes closed out the meet with a 49.075 on floor exercise, capped off by a career-high 9.925 from Mattern, while Merkle tied her season-best 9.850 to finish second.
Mattern’s 39.400 won the all-around title and marked a career best.
“Lexi (Mattern) had another great meet for us,” Fagan added. “She’s really positioning herself to be one of the top all-arounders in the Big Ten. I’m so proud of her mental approach this season. It’s making all of the difference for her.”
The Buckeyes travel to Penn State for a dual meet at 4 p.m. next Saturday.
