Talented Newcomers Help Lead UB Gymnastics To 189.150-172.150 Season-Opening Win At Rhode Island College

Providence, R.I.-Using a lineup rich in talented newcomers, the University of Bridgeport women's gymnastics team showed how truly deep a team and program the three-time defending USAG national champions are, as the Purple Knights opened their 2012 season with a strong 189.150-172.150 dual meet victory over the host Rhode Island College Anchorwomen on Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore newcomer Lissette La Fex (Diamond Bar, CA) helped led the Purple Knights on Saturday, as she finished in the top two on all three of the events in which she competed. La Fex finished first on both bars (9.800) and beam (9.800), while finishing second on floor (9.700). Freshman Caitlin Perry (North Kingstown, RI) finished first on floor (9.800), while also posting a second-place finish on vault (9.775). Sophomore Zahra Stamps (Phoenix, AZ) took first on vault (9.800) for UB.

Freshman Sasha Tsikhanovich (Marysville, OH) led Bridgeport in the all-around, as she finished first with a score of 37.675. She took second on beam (9.650), second on bars (9.550), fifth on vault (9.625) and ninth on floor (8.850). Freshman Alex Oringer (Levittown, NY) had a strong showing for the Purple Knights too, as she finished third on both floor (9.675) and vault (9.700).

Said Bridgeport head coach Byron Knox, "This is a great start to the 2012 season for our program as we scored over 189 points with a team made up of basically of newcomers to the squad.  It shows how deep our program really is as these ladies will blend in seamlessly with our veterans.  Our freshmen and newcomers did a great job of handling the pressure of their first intercollegiate competition representing the University of Bridgeport."

The Purple Knights are back in action on Friday evening when the team travels to the University of Maryland for a meet that will also include Alaska.  Action begins on Friday at 7:00 p.m.