Two UNC winter sport student-athletes were named Performers of the Week by their respective conferences. In wrestling, graduate Clay Lautt was named Co-Wrestler of the Week in the ACC after helping the Tar Heels to a 2-0 weekend on the mats. And in gymnastics, freshman Lali Dekanoidze was named the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) Gymnast of the Week. It is the second time each has earned their respective honor this season.

In two dual wins against Duke and Little Rock this past weekend, Lautt tallied six total points for the Tar Heels in winning team efforts. His win over No. 13 Matt Finesilver of the Blue Devils was his third ranked win of the season. Lautt is 6-3 in his individual dual matches this season, and currently ranked No. 14 in the 174-pound weight class. He will next compete in Carolina’s dual at Virginia on Friday.

Dekanoidze won her second EAGL award after a terrific showing in UNC’s quad meet with Missouri, George Washington and Brown. Dekanoidze set a career-high all-around score at 39.450, which is the highest of any gymnast in the EAGL this season. Her all-around average of 39.175 this season is also tied for best in the league. In the quad meet, Dekanoidze set a career-best on floor exercise (9.875) while matching her career-bests on beam (9.90) and bars (9.875). UNC’s team score of 196.475 in the quad meet is the highest score of any EAGL team this season and Carolina’s highest since 2018. Dekanoidze will next compete in the gymnastics team’s tri meet with Pitt and Towson in Carmichael Arena this Friday.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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