PHILADELPHIA – The Ursinus College gymnastics team put up the best score in Division III this season on Sunday, posting a 189.350 behind a stellar performance on the beam in a dual meet with Temple. The Bears' score was their highest since registering a 189.750 in a home dual with Springfield last season.

The Bears outdid their team total from the season opener by nearly 2.50 points, in large part because of an impressive beam effort in which five of the six entrants scored at least a 9.400. Senior Jillian Casarella starred for Ursinus, tying for first place with a 9.775, to date the best score in Division III. Freshman Autumn Snape registered a 9.600, and junior Alexandra Puryear tallied a 9.575. Senior Allyson Getty marked a 9.550, and junior Amanda Palladino scored a 9.400.

Junior Kaelin Ruoss led the way with a 9.625 on the bars, good for fourth overall, and senior Lauren Chavis had a 9.575. Casarella was awarded a 9.500, and classmate Vanessa Scalora's routine was good for a 9.375 as Ursinus totaled 47.275.

Puryear was impressive on the floor, placing fourth with a score of 9.600. Junior Kelsey Stewart was right behind her with a 9.575, and freshman Breanna Couts logged an even 9.500. Fellow rookie Eleanor LaFountain scored a 9.350.

Stewart was the Bears' top performer on the vault with a 9.550. Freshman Courtney Pearson received a 9.425 and Puryear a 9.375, while LaFountain and junior Heather Brubaker earned matching scores of 9.350.

The gymnastics team continues its season on Saturday, January 28 at Rutgers. The Bears will share the Rutgers Athletic Center with two other Division I programs in Michigan State and Cornell.