March 29, 2008

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks finished the Midwest Independent Conference Championship in second place with a score of 192.025. The University of Illinois-Chicago (193.850) won the event, Centenary College (191.775) finished third, Texas Woman's University (191.075) placed fourth, and Illinois State (190.775) took fifth.

Southeast scored a 48.35 on vault as sophomore Rikara Turner was the top Redhawk tying for third with 9.800. Also finishing in the top ten on the event was junior Starlyn Schwartz (9.700) and freshman Brianna Gaddie (9.675).

After struggling on bars, the team scored a 48.050 and junior Sandra Blake (9.725) was the lone top ten finisher. Things didn't get any better for the Redhawks on beam as they had to count a fall and could only tally a 46.725. Blake was top Redhawk as she placed fourth with a 9.625. The only other top ten finish was sophomore Jena Nguyen who scored a 9.575.

The floor exercise was the shining spot for Southeast as they tallied a 48.900. Blake led the way for the Redhawks as she shared the individual title with a 9.875. Turner and Gaddie also finished in the top ten as they scored an outstanding 9.825.

UIC's Annie Kachman captured the individual title on the all-around with a 38.975, but was followed closely by Blake with a 38.750. Turner also had a nice showing as she finished tied for third with a 38.550.

The Redhawks will now wait until Monday evening to find out if they have earned a NCAA South Central Regional berth. Southeast is currently No. 34 in the nation and needs to stay in the top 36 to advance.