Feb. 2, 2008

By Matthew C. Worthington, Gymnastics Contact

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (2-1, 1-0 MIC) couldn't quite stop the University of Iowa Hawkeyes as they lost a close one, 193.650-194.550. Even with the loss, the Redhawks had an impressive showing that should keep them from slipping too far in the rankings.

The Redhawks started the afternoon on the vault where they put together an awesome routine leading to Southeast's second-best team vault score of all time, 48.900. Leading the way for the Redhawks was the current Midwest Independent Conference Gymnast of the Week, junior Sandra Blake (Tri-Cities, Wash./Mid Columbia). Blake won the individual title on the vault as she tied the sixth best all time score at Southeast with a career-high 9.875. Freshman Brianna Gaddie (East Grand Forks, Minn./Red River Valley) tied for second with a 9.825 and gymnasts Amber Garlotte (Lee's Summit, Mo./Eagle Gymnastics) and Staryln Schwartz (Pensacola, Fla./First City Gymnastics) finished in a five-way tie for third with a score of 9.750.

"Our overall vault score couldn't get any better," said head coach Tom Farden. "We did awesome on vault but had a bad start on bars that we sewed up nicely."

On the bars, the Redhawks worked hard to pick things up after a slow start and were able to score a 48.150. Freshman Lauren Dinan (Doniphan, Neb./Nebraska Twisters) led the Redhawks as she finished in third with a 9.700. Finishing in a four-way tie for fourth place were Jacqueline Heath (St. Cloud, Minn./St. Cloud Tech) and Blake as they scored 9.675.

The Redhawks fell short on the beam as they finished with a team total of 47.800.

"We were a little rocky today," said Blake. "We had a great effort overall, but just have to be more precise with our skills."

Hanging tough on the beam for Southeast were sophomores Jena Nguyen (9.700), Rikara Turner (9.675) and Bryanna Wong (9.650) as they finished fifth-seventh, respectively.

The Redhawks forgot about their troubles on the beam and were solid on the floor exercise as they scored a season-best 48.8. Blake pulled down her second individual title of the meet and her fourth this season as she scored a career-high 9.850. Also finishing strong for Southeast was Turner with a third place 9.775 and Garlotte with a fourth place 9.750.

"I couldn't be more proud of the gymnast's floor routines." said Farden. "They did a great job."

The Redhawks will now prepare for their first road game of the season. They will travel to Denton, Tex. as they face Texas Woman's University on Friday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m.