New Hampshire at LIU

Recap

The Big Storyline: While it wasn’t a great meet for either team, getting to see a brand new program debut is exciting no matter the outcome. Quite a few LIU gymnasts were either out with injury or currently ineligible to compete, but the Sharks made the best with what they had to put up a respectable first meet total. Beam in particular was a highlight, with Alisson Lapp leading the way for the Sharks with a 9.800. New Hampshire was also missing quite a few gymnasts, most notably Kylie Gorgenyi, Alyssa Worthington and Lauren Diggan, and had to count low numbers on every event.

Implications: LIU will debut at No. 52 in the rankings and No. 8 in the EAGL. New Hampshire will drop five spots in the rankings to No. 45 and will be passed by Temple in the EAGL standings. The Wildcats will be happy when NQS kicks in and they can put this meet behind them.

Records: There were no records, except that LIU’s highest score on everything was a record since it was the program’s first meet ever. 

Controversies: Judging was very slow, and the meet ran over two hours. However, it was LIU’s first time hosting a meet, so the delays are understandable.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 40 New Hampshire at LIU

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: It’s the first EVER meet for the LIU Sharks! The entire gymternet has been anticipating this day ever since the program was announced in March. We haven’t had a new program since Lindenwood joined in 2013, and we haven’t had a new DI program since Arkansas in 2003. 

What We’re Watching:  First of all, who is going to make LIU’s lineups? With such a huge roster, the Sharks will undoubtably have lots of routines to choose from, so what six gymnasts will be up on each event? As for lineup locks, Mara Titarsolej is set to be a huge star on bars for the Sharks while Alisson Lapp should be a major player on bars and beam. Nika Takagi has beautiful gymnastics on all four events, including a 10.0 vault. Finally, what lineups will Talia Folino make? She just arrived from Australia a few weeks ago, so it’s unknown how ready she is. But if she’s ready to go, she could factor into any event.

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: New Hampshire might not be the main reason you’re watching this meet, but there are several gymnasts whose routines you won’t want to miss. Alyssa Worthington is lovely on beam, with a career high of 9.900. Lauren Diggan competes a unique hop full to Gienger on bars that is must see. Finally, Hailey Lui is a beautiful gymnast to watch on the three events she competes—bars, beam and floor.