SHREVEPORT-The USA Gymnastics released the qualifiers for the 2010 USAG Women's Collegiate National Championships as Centenary will be represented by five individuals in senior Whitney Daugherty on Floor, junior Marisa Schneider in the All-Around, junior Makensie Lant on Bars, and freshmen Amanda Holt on Vault and Jessica Lieblich on Beam.
The three-day event will be held April 15-17 at Kitty Magee Arena in Pioneer Hall on the campus of Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.
Daugherty, a senior from Kennesaw, Georgia will represent the Ladies on the Floor routine. In the first meet of the season at home against Texas Woman's University, Daugherty posted her season-best 9.800 for a tie for second place.
"I am truly excited for Whitney to have the chance to showcase her floor routine again! Her performance is one that you can't help smiling and enjoying while watching! Whitney has been such a positive and encouraging member of this year's team," said head coach Gretchen Goerlitz.
Lant, a junior from Suwanee, Georgia will represent Centenary on Bars. Lant posted a season-best 9.700 on Bars twice this season, first at TWU and second against Missouri at home.
"Makensie has been a true asset to the team this year. She could not train in the beginning of the season due to a back injury, but was thoroughly involved all season to the best of her ability! Her qualification to Nationals is not a surprise to us, but a definite reward for her dedication, hard work, and persistence," said Goerlitz.
Schneider, a junior from Alpharetta, Georgia will represent Centenary in the All-Around competition.
Against Missouri in the Gold Dome, Schneider captured third in the All-Around with a season-best 37.950 and an event-high 9.775 on Beam during that competition.
"Marisa has really come into her own as a person and teammate this year. I'm happy she will be representing our team in the all around competition. She is such a strong and talented athlete," said Goerlitz.
Holt, a freshman from Champlin, Minnesota will compete in her first Nationals on Vault. Holt remained consistent all season as the Ladies top competitor on Vault, posting a season-best 9.7250 four times.
"Amanda has been working hard and improving all season! I believe that Nationals will be her best vault of the year and great experience for her to have for the coming seasons," said Goerlitz.
Lieblich, another freshman from Little Rock, Arkansas will compete for a National title on Beam. She represented Centenary with a career-best 9.800 against Missouri for a third place finish.
"Jessica has been a leader for our team since our first day of practice on the beam. She is so poised and confident everyday that you can't help but want to watch her and her beautiful routine! Being a freshman, it will be great exposure for her on the National level," said Goerlitz.
Competing for the National Team Title this year will be: Air Force, Bridgeport, Cornell, Rutgers, Seattle Pacific, Temple, Texas Woman's, and William & Mary.
Individual qualifiers include:
All-Around
Chelsey Binkley and Emily Lutfey, Brown
Justine Basley, Southern Connecticut
Marisa Schneider, Centenary
Alli Aquila and Kaley LaFleur, West Chester
Vault
Amanda Holt, Centenary
Rebecca Brady and Briana DiPinto, Southern Connecticut
Bars
Sarah Darst and Stephanie Kuska, Southern Connecticut
Makensie Lant, Centenary
Beam
Julie Meyer, Brown
Jessica Lieblich, Centenary
Briana DiPinto and Jessica Kiback, Southern Connecticut
Floor
Rebecca Brady and Samantha Laraway, Southern Connecticut
Whitney Daughtery, Centenary
Tickets for the event are on sale and can be purchased at www.2010usagnationals.com. A three-day championship pass is $25 for adults and $13 for students (ages 6-17) and senior citizens (ages 55+).
Day pass prices are $10 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. Children ages five and under will be admitted free for the entire event but do require a ticket which can also be purchased using the online ticket storefront. All seating in Kitty Magee Arena will be general admission only.
For Complete Coverage:
Website: www.2010usagnationals.com
Live State: http://www.twuathletics.com/sports/2010/3/8/usag_0308104352.aspx?path=usag
Web Stream (Free): http://www.twuathletics.com/sports/2010/3/10/usag_0310103123.aspx?path=usag
