Feb. 12, 2000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of North Carolina's Gymnastics team entered Friday's dual meet against the No. 1 ranked University of Alabama as major underdogs, but their performances in front of a crowd of over 8,000, as well as a television audience, proved that they could compete with the nation's elite. Even though the Tar Heels fell to the powerful Crimson Tide squad 196.100 to 191.300, they gained a tremendous amount of confidence from their poise and execution of what Head Coach Derek Galvin stated as their best routines of the year.

"Our team was focused, enthusiastic, they really performed well and the crowd responded," said Galvin. "It was really a knowledgeable crowd who appreciated routines by both schools. I am thrilled with the way our team positively responded in the face of the No. 1 team in the country on their home court with television and more than 8,000 fans in attendance."

Junior Brooke Wilson had yet another strong performance in the all-around. She competed against four of the best all-around performers in the country for Alabama, the most all-around competitors in one meet for the Tide in more than eight years. Wilson scored a 38.850 to finish in fifth place behind Alabama sophomore Andree' Pickens first place score of 39.575. Pickens currently ranks No. 1 nationally in the all-around.

Tight, conservative scoring which was fair for both teams led to Carolina not recording the best scores of the year, but Coach Galvin could not have been more proud of his team's perfomance on Friday night.

"The meet was phenomenal and was by far the most exciting dual meet we've ever competed in," said Galvin. "Coming into a meet against a No. 1 team like Alabama, the results could go one of two ways, either it brings out the best in your team or you become intimidated. I am very proud to say that we showed our best tonight."

Coach Galvin also slated seniors Megan Piper, Julie Pasqualini and Meredith McDermott as showing tremendous leadership throughout the meet. Pasqualini and McDermott provided solid routines on vault and on bars while teammate Piper performed well on bars.

The momentum from Friday's meet will help the Tar Heels as they prepare to compete on their home court for the first time this season against James Madison University. The dual meet will be held at Chapel Hill in Carmichael Auditorium on Friday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m.