April 8, 2006

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.. - (Saturday, April 8, 2006) The Redhawks gymnastics magical season came to a close on Saturday at the NCAA South Central Regional at Barnhill Arena on the campus of the University of Arkansas Saturday evening. The Redhawks finished sixth in the Regional with a score of 189.050 behind 3rd-ranked Florida (196.375), host and 18th-ranked Arkansas (195.400), 9th-ranked UCLA (195.175), Illinois (193.125) and Illinois-Chicago (191.125). Florida and Arkansas advance to the National Meet at Oregon State on April 20-22.

Freshman Sandra Blake (Tri-Cities, Wash./Mid-Columbia) was the Redhawks top individual finisher as she tied for ninth place on the vault with a score of 9.800. The Redhawks scored their best team score on the vault with a 48.175.

On the bars Freshman Maureen Grimaldi (Kansas City, Mo./Eagles) finished 23rd with a score of 9.600. Alison Ezell (Kansas City, Kan./ Alpha Omega) finished 27th (9.500) and Blake finished tied for 28th (9.425).

Four Redhawks finished in the top-30 on the beam with Ezell leading the way with a score of 9.550 which tied for 22nd. Grimaldi finished 24th with a score of 9.500. Brystol Powelski (Franklin, Wis./ Salto Gymnastics) finished 25th (9.350) and Starlyn Bell Schwartz (Pensacola, Fla./First City) finished 26th (9.325).

On the floor freshman Chelsea Unold (Plymouth, Minn./Twin City Twisters) was the top Redhawks finisher with a score of 9.550 which tied for 23rd. Blake finished 26th with a score of 9.525 followed by Grimaldi with a score of 9.500 which tied for 27th.

In the all-around Ezell was the top Redhawk finisher with a score of 38.075 for a 12th place finish. Blake finished 15th (37.625) and Powleski finished 16th (37.500).