The Penn gymnastics team's seniors had the last home meet of their careers at Hutchinson Gymnasium Sunday, and they went in determined to make it their best.
And when it was all said and done, the seniors came out with their best and their team's best performance -- in history.
The Quakers posted an all-time record score of 192.725, and secured a huge margin of victory over their competitors. The nearest, Temple, finished more than two points behind.
"We killed the record, which was amazing after Thursday when we lost to Temple," Penn senior Tricia Chan said. "We came back and we came back stronger."
Penn had lost to Temple three days earlier by a mere six-tenths of a point. This was more than just payback for that one night.
"Temple is a very, very good team, and their coach as well," Penn coach Tom Kovic said.
"I have the highest respect for them and the coaching staff," he added. "You know I am just very proud of the team today."
Temple head coach Ken Anderson has a storied rivalry not only with the Quakers, but with Kovic.
Kovic is an alumnus of Temple, and he and Anderson have competed against each other as gymnasts and coaches.
"It's a fun one," Anderson said. "He and I have been friends for years.
"When I was at Southern Connecticut, we used to compete against each other."
Penn did very well in all four areas of competition.
"The most outstanding performance today was beams," Penn senior Cassandra Pare said.
In fact, the Quakers posted meet-high scores in the vault and beam sections. They also posted the second-highest score in team history on the uneven bars, and third-highest score ever on floor.
The floor routine was what separated Penn from the pack. The Quakers swept the top four spots, with sophomore Kristyn DeMarco posting a personal record 9.7 for fourth place, senior Christy Green scoring a season-high 9.8 for third, sophomore Emily Petkun recording a 9.85 for second and sophomore Laura Duros leading the way with a 9.9, her second straight personal best.
The score was not only a personal best for Duros, but also tied her for third all-time in Penn history.
Freshman Kara Dewhurst also put her imprint on the record books, posting a 9.775 on bars -- the fifth-highest mark in Penn history.
The Red and Blue continue their record-breaking season as they head to the Ursinus/Wilson/West Chester meet next Saturday on the road.
PENN 192.725, Temple 190.45, Ursinus 186.225, West Chester 180.775
Vault: PENN 48.45
Bars: PENN 48.45
Beam: PENN 48.0
Floor: PEN 48.925
