First-year gymnastics head coach Danna Durante started her tenure at UNC with a bang Friday night, as the Tar Heels put together a program-best performance for a season-opener in front of a record crowd at Carmichael Arena.

“I loved all of the fans and community support we had tonight,” Durante said. “They brought incredible energy all night. Their energy made this night all the more special for this staff and our team.”

UNC’s Lali Dekanoidze, competing in her first collegiate gymnastics meet, earned the all-around title with a total score of 39.325. It’s the second-best season-opening all-around total in program history. Julia Knower, also competing with Carolina for the first time, scored a 9.925 on beam, the highest Tar Heel score of the night, to take the title on that event. Freshman Isabelle Schaeffer tied with Dekanoidze for the title on bars.

“It was a phenomenal start for all three freshmen that competed tonight,” said Durante. “With Isabelle and Lali winning bars, Julia winning beam and Lali winning the all-around, these freshmen have a bright future.”

Auburn, with Olympic all-around gold medalist Suni Lee, took the meet title with a 196.250 score, while Carolina placed second and Bowling Green third at 192.600.

Up next for the Tar Heels is a quad meet this weekend against Rutgers, NC State and New Hampshire. Carolina will be back in Carmichael Arena the following weekend for another quad meet.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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