ITHACA, N.Y. - The Ithaca gymnastics team placed first in a field of four teams with a team score of 185.025 at the Harriet Marranca Memorial Invitational at Ben Light Gymnasium on Saturday. The Bombers outscored Cortland (179.675), Rhode Island College (172.050) and Wilson (150.975) and Ithaca improved to 8-4 on the season. The Bombers outscored Cortland by more than five points in the meet, and Cortland entered the day as the nation's top-ranked team in adjusted scoring average in the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association while Ithaca was ranked fourth.

Graduate student Justine Picciano was first on the balance beam as Ithaca swept the top-four places in that event. Picciano totaled 9.5, senior Kay Gordon scored 9.4, senior Jessica Bolduc had 9.35 and senior Kimberly Callahan posted 9.175. Ithaca's team score of 46.475 on beam was more than one full point higher than the closest competing team.

Bolduc, reigning national champion on floor exercise, won that event with a score of 9.75. Picciano was third with a score of 9.525 and sophomore Meredith Daniels placed fourth with a total of 9.5.

Ithaca senior Christine Niles tied for first on uneven bars with a career-best score of 9.5. She was followed by sophomore Shilanna Gallo in third with a score of 9.325 and sophomore Rani Jacobson in fourth with 9.225.

Bolduc was second on vault with a score of 9.575 and Jacobson was fourth at 9.225. Jacobson's scores on vault and bars were career-highs in those events. Bolduc totaled 37.775 in all-around, which was first of seven competitors.

The Bombers wore pink leotards in support of those affected by breast cancer, and in support of raising awareness for breast cancer treatment and research.

Ithaca returns to action March 3, hosting Cortland in a dual meet at 4:30 p.m.

Complete Meet Results