Jan. 27, 2007

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast couldn't pull off a win against their first non-conference opponent as they fell to 18th ranked Kent State 193.150 - 194.100 in Houck Field House. Even with the loss, the Redhawks should gain a spot or two on the national rankings with their steady performance. "We were consistent but wobbly," said head coach Tom Farden. "Our performances were important, but need some polishing." Currently the Redhawks (5-1, 5-0 MIC) are 29th in the nation.

The vault was again Southeast's weak spot as they scored a 47.925, which was their lowest team score of the day. A bright spot on the vault was sophomore Sandra Blake (Tri-Cities, Wash./ Mid Columbia) who took home an individual title scoring a season high 9.8.

Southeast stepped it up on the uneven bars as they won the event scoring a team season high 48.675. Gymnasts Blake, Maureen Grimaldi (Kansas City, Mo./ Eagle Gymnastics) and Jacqueline Heath (St. Cloud, Minn./ St. Cloud) all set season highs by scoring a second place 9.775. Freshman Bryanna Wong (Parkville, Mo./ Edge Gymnastics) also scored a season high 9.7 finishing in fourth.

Freshman Wong led the Redhawks on the balance beam scoring a season high 9.75 while the team scored a 48.275. Rikara Turner (Hastings, Minn./ Twin City Twisters) and Blake finished behind Wong in third and fourth respectively.

The Redhawks tallied a 48.275 on the floor as they took third and fourth on the event as individuals. Tied for third with a 9.7 were Turner, Grimaldi and Wong. In fourth was freshman Jena Nguyen (Sioux Falls, S.D./ All American) who scored a 9.65.

For the first time this season, Southeast gymnast Turner did not earn the title in the all-around. Blake (38.75), Turner (38.675) and Grimaldi (38.575) finished second-fourth respectively and each set new season highs.

The Redhawks will continue their season at the Wisconsin-La Crosse Invite on Friday, February 2nd, with a start time of 6:00 p.m.