The University of Minnesota women’s gymnastics team finished in third place at the Master’s Classic, hosted by the University of Nebraska. The host team won the meet with a 196.225, while UCLA was second with a 195.125. Minnesota was third with a 195.075, and North Carolina State was fourth with a score of 194.55.

On vault, Minnesota tallied a 48.475, led by junior Alexis Russell, who matched her season-high score with a 9.85 to tie for 10th place overall. Other highlights for the Gophers on vault were the performances of sophomore Yuri Nagai and Kendra Elm, who each earned career-high scores, with marks of 9.725 and 9.7, respectively.

Alexis Russell was also the team leader on uneven bars, tying for first place with a career-best score of 9.9. The event title is the second bars win this season for Russell. Kristin Furukawa was the second-highest scorer for the Gophers on bars, earning a 9.8. Kendra Elm matched her best score of the season, earning a 9.775. As a team, Minnesota tallied a 48.95 on the bars, the best event score for the team in today’s meet.

After a disappointing performance on the balance beam two days ago, Minnesota rebounded nicely in today’s competition, earning a 48.725. Senior Angela Walker was the top scorer for the Gophers, finishing in fourth place overall with a mark of 9.825. Sophomore Jamie Bullock was the next-highest scorer for Minnesota, earning a 9.775.

Sophomores Yuri Nagai and Kendra Elm were the leaders for the Gophers on floor exercise, each tying for 10th place with scores of 9.8. Nagai’s score ties her personal best. Three Minnesota performers earned scores of 9.775: Ana Balboa, Angela Walker, and Alexis Russell. Balboa’s score tied her career-high mark. The team total for the Gophers on floor was 48.925.

Minnesota was without Carmelina Carabajal, its senior captain, in today’s meet, but still had strong all around performances from Alexis Russell and Kendra Elm. Russell was third in the all around with a total of 39.0, while Elm tied for fourth place with a 38.95. Elm’s all around total was the best of her Gopher career.

Minnesota returns to competition at home next Saturday, Feb. 28. The Gophers will host Northern Illinois at the Sports Pavilion, with the meet starting at 6 p.m. Fans can watch the meet live on www.gophersports.com.