The 22nd-ranked Gophers tallied their highest home score of the season, but narrowly lost to No. 24 West Virginia 194.625-194.650. Andy Cornelius was a winner on floor with a 9.825, and tied for third on bars with a 9.750.

On vault, the Gophers tallied a 48.650, led by sophomore Carmelina Carabajal, who placed second with a 9.825. Freshman Alexis Russell was fourth with a 9.775. Senior Kelly Ganchan as seventh in her final home performance, earning a 9.700. Minnesota was in the lead after the first rotation, as West Virginia scored a 48.300 on bars.

The Gophers earned a 48.600 on bars, with three Minnesota gymnasts placing in a tie for third place. Alexis Russell, Rehana Russell, and Andy Cornelius each earned scores of 9.750 to tie for Minnesota’s best score on bars. Rehana Russell’s score was her best of the season. Carmelina Carabajal’s mark of 9.700 was good for seventh-place, and was a personal best. The Gophers remained in the lead with a 97.250-97.100 edge going into the third rotation.

Juniors Angela Walker, Ashley Stanton, and Ashley Mutchler were Minnesota’s leaders on the beam. Each earned a 9.800 to tie for second place. The Gophers’ team score on beam was a 48.425, the lowest event score of the night. West Virginia took the lead with a 48.850 on floor, bringing the running scores to 145.675-145.950 in favor of the Mountaineers.

The Gophers tallied their highest event total on the floor with a 48.950. Junior Andy Cornelius was the top Gopher scorer with a 9.825 to win the event. Angela Walker and Carmelina Carabajal each earned a 9.800 to tie for fourth place. Walker’s score tied her season-high.

Carmelina Carabajal placed second in the all around with a 39.075, while Alexis Russell was third with a 38.375.

The Gophers will travel to Penn State on March 31 to defend their Big Ten crown at the 2007 Big Ten Championships. The meet will begin at 5 p.m. central time.