Gymnastics looks forward to Brown match after hiatus

Last week's snowfall effectively wiped out the gymnastics team's much anticipated battle with Ivy rival Yale. While the white stuff has dampened most of the eastern seaboard, it didn't have the same effect on the Quakers. Despite training a whole week for a meet that never was, Penn rebounded with a vengeance. "If anything, the team has gotten hungrier since last weekend," coach Tom Kovic said. Putting the Yale disappointment behind them, the Quakers (5-2) immediately set their sights on this Sunday's dual meet at Brown. Although the Bears won't present quite the challenge the Elis might have, the young squad could give the Quakers a bit of a tussle. Comprised almost solely of freshmen and sophomores, the Bears represent the Ivy League's up and coming talent base. Brown's resurgent squad is led by Philadelphia native, Caroline Katzen, a freshman gymnast Kovic heavily recruited. Despite the youth movement, the Bears have managed only a 3-2 record so far this season and notched two of those victories over MIT. However, they have been able to amass 174 points with regularity, a somewhat impressive tally. Fortunately for the Quakers, if they can score the in the low 180s, which they have done on numerous occasions this season, they should be in the clear. Of course the Bears are an important stepping stone to the Ivy crown, so no matter how the teams stack up on paper, Penn won't be taking anything for granted. Besides, road trips to New England in mid February have a tendency to be quirky. In preparation, the team has put in its strongest week of training of the season. "Practice has gone beautifully this week. They've been pushed hard and they've responded," Kovic said. Kovic will be looking for a team effort Saturday. Freshman Beth Manley continues to be hobbled by an ankle injury, and senior Staci Standen won't make the trip to Providence after being treated Thursday for dehydration while battling a winter cold. Brown will have their ranks somewhat dissipated as well, with freshman Christina Fontecchio nursing an ailing back. So, as the snow around West Philadelphia continues to melt, it can't wipe away the spirit of the gymnastics team. While they won't get a chance to match up against Yale until the Ivy Classic later this month, come hell or high water (or snow drift) the Quakers will get to sink their teeth into Brown this weekend.