Seawolf gymnasts earn first victory in home opener

Anchorage, Alaska (Jan. 23) - Senior Montana Fairbairn earned victories on three events and sophomore Jamilia Duffus took top honors on uneven bars Thursday to lead the UAA gymnastics team to its first victory of the season, defeating Greenville 190.875-185.800 at the Alaska Airlines Center.

The Seawolves got a 9.85 on floor and a 9.775 on vault from Fairbairn - who matched her career high on both apparatus - along with a 9.725 on beam. Freshman Hannah Boyd recorded a 37.800 all-around for the hosts, while Greenville's Ashlie Leage captured the individual all-around title at 37.925.

"We're happy to get our first victory, and the atmosphere was great tonight in front of our home fans," said UAA head coach Marie-Sophie Boggasch. "We're still hunting for consistency on a couple events, and we'll look to iron out some wrinkles in Saturday's meet."

Competing for the third time in seven days, the Seawolves took control of their home opener from the outset, getting a 9.6 from Boyd, a 9.575 from freshman Maribelle Albert and a 9.55 from Duffus to boost a 47.950 vault score.

Despite some struggles by her teammates on bars, Duffus - a transfer from Talladega - came through with a career-high 9.775 to earn her first individual victory as a Seawolf. Jada Niles scored 9.475 and Alyssa Manley had a 9.4 on bars.

Boyd recorded a 9.675 on beam and sophomore Breeann Spain had a 9.65 to help UAA to a 47.975 on that apparatus, while senior transfer Grace Costello tallied 9.575.

UAA closed with its strongest floor total - 45.850 - in three meets thus far, led by Fairbairn's 9.85. Along with her 9.85 from Sunday at UC Davis, the Strathmore, Alberta, native became just the ninth gymnast in program history with at least two scores of 9.85-plus on floor. Junior Ariana DeSouza and Boyd earned 9.75s on floor, while Spain came through with her third career-high of the season already, tallying 9.725.

The Seawolves return to the Alaska Airlines Center for a Saturday 6 p.m. rematch with the Panthers. The meet will be a 'green-out' theme, with fans encouraged to wear green-colored gear. All tickets are half-price, thanks to meet sponsor Lynden. Find more details and links to live video and scoring at GoSeawolves.com.