In a thrilling display of athleticism and grace, the Penn State women’s gymnastics team strutted their stuff at the Lone Star Invitational, finishing in a commendable second place. With a final score of 196.100, they proved that not only can they flip and twist, but they can also do it with style—like a catwalk model on a balance beam! The competition was fierce, featuring ranked teams like No. 17 Auburn and No. 20 Arizona State, but the Nittany Lions showed up ready to pounce. It’s safe to say they didn’t just bring their A-game; they brought the whole alphabet!
The meet kicked off with the vault, where Kalea McElligott, the 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, led the charge with a score of 9.800. It was a vault so impressive that even the judges were left wondering if they should be taking notes for their own gymnastic careers! Meanwhile, the uneven bars saw Elizabeth Leary shine with a 9.850, proving that she’s not just a pretty face but also a formidable force on the bars. And let’s not forget the balance beam, where Amani Herring dazzled with a near-perfect 9.900. If only we could all balance our lives as well as these gymnasts balance on a beam!
As the final rotation approached, the pressure was on. Alyssa Kramer’s 9.100 on floor had everyone holding their breath, but the following gymnasts broke the 9.8 mark, turning the tension into triumph. With Johanson scoring 9.875, it was clear that the Nittany Lions were not just here to participate; they were here to dominate! As they prepare for their next meet against No. 24 Minnesota, one can only hope they bring the same energy and maybe a few more jokes. After all, laughter is the best medicine, but a good floor routine comes in a close second! For more on their journey, check out our coverage of the [Penn State Tri-Meet](https://www.psucollegian.com/sports/women_gymnastics/no-21-penn-state-women-s-gymnastics-faces-tough-test-at-lone-star-invitational/article_9a946d9c-cf74-11ef-aa5a-9b3186fba5d9.html) and the [Big Ten Conference](https://www.psucollegian.com/search/?k=%22big%20ten%20conference%22#tncms-source=keyword).
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