Things haven't exactly been going as planned for the Penn gymnastics team. The Quakers (4-5,1-1 Ivy) have yet to put together the string of consistent performances in competition necessary to defeat most collegiate gymnastics teams. Penn looks to end the trend against crosstown-rival Temple today at 6 p.m. in the friendly confines of Hutchinson Gym. The Owls (7-13) have already defeated Penn three times this season, the first of which came on January 22 at the Freedom Classic at Temple. The Quakers lead up until the last event, when the Owls made up a two-point deficit to record the victory. Less than a week later, at the George Washington Invitational, Temple crushed Penn by 6.150 points. Last week, at the Towson Invitational, Penn lost again to the Owls by the score of 182.275 to 179.450. "We all know we can beat Temple," Penn sophomore Kathleen Gunn said. "We just have to pull it all together this time." The Quakers will have to focus on putting together a consistent team performance. The team has proved its ability to score big on the vault and in the floor routine, but it has had difficulties with the uneven bars and the balance beam. The bar and the beam have been the focus of practice for much of the season. But Penn coach Tom Kovic points out that there is only so much that can be done. "There's a difference between having to do something and wanting to do something." Despite the problems, the Quakers will have the advantage of performing at home. "It's a definite advantage to be at home," Gunn said. "It's nice to have people cheering for you." The Quakers will look to Gunn and freshman classmates Suzi Marin and Molly Sullivan to lead the way. All three gymnasts perform in all four events. Temple will look to junior Adrienne Carter to lead the way. Carter consistently scores in the 37-38 point range in the all-around, a feat not often achieved in collegiate competition. "It's a must win for us," Kovic said. "It's a must win from a confidence standpoint, and it's a must win from an emotional standpoint."
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