Ivy goose egg on the line for Gymnastics

The Quakers hope to remedy their 0-2 Ivy record when they host Brown tomorrow at 1 p.m. In the Penn gymnastics team's final Ivy League dual meet of the season against Brown tomorrow, there will clearly be much more at stake for the Quakers than just a number in the win column. Instead, Penn will be out to prove that it remains a force in the Ivy League, despite its uncharacteristic 0-2 league record this season. After falling to Yale last weekend, 189.175 to 188.000, Penn coach Tom Kovic described the Red and Blue's main focus this week as improving "execution of parts, combinations and routine as a whole." Many of the Quakers feel tomorrow's contest will be a chance to demonstrate to the rest of the Ancient Eight, as well as to themselves, that they have what it takes to win. "We're looking to put everything we know how to do together," Penn captain Lizzie Jacobson said. In short, the Quakers want the Brown meet to show that they are a squad to be reckoned with. "We want to let the other Ivy League teams know we're competitive," Penn junior Sarah Bruscia said. Furthermore, in hosting Brown at Hutchinson Gym tomorrow at 1 p.m., the Quakers are looking forward to performing in front of a supportive home fanbase in a familiar environment. "It'll give us a chance to try out our new performances, skills and changes in the lineups," Penn senior Becky Nadler said. "It's always better at home because you're using home equipment." Perhaps most significantly, however, the meet will be viewed as a precursor to the Ivy Classic, hosted by Cornell on February 27. The Quakers, who currently boast a three-season winning streak in the Classic, feel that a win at home will give them momentum going into the league championship, where performances -- and not necessarily previous records -- determine who comes out on top. "We're ranked first in the Ivies, so we definitely want to demonstrate our potential going into the championships," Penn senior Kirby Thorpe said. Kovic feels that the Bears and his squad are quite evenly matched, as can be seen in last weekend's scores for both programs. The Quakers earned 188.000 points against Yale, whereas Brown was victorious over Vermont with 187.425. In addition, since the Bears are coming off an excellent match, Penn's motivation to win will just be that much more powerful. "We'd like at least one solid win before we go into the Ivy championships," sophomore Christy Paino said. Tomorrow's meet should be an exciting one to follow. Not only are the Quakers primed for the showdown, but the Bears are looking to continue their winning ways, having posted a 4-2 record overall. Last weekend's score was a season high for Brown, and sophomore Jessica Buck claimed the all-around title. However, the Quakers have their own agenda for tomorrow, one that includes earning a much-needed win and proving to themselves that they can live up to their ranking. "The Ivy teams are definitely more competitive now [because] they've done some good recruiting these past four or five years," Jacobson said. Personal goals, team potential, momentum and pride are all on the line tomorrow afternoon.