Feb. 3, 2006

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Friday, February 3, 2006) The Redhawks gymnastics team hosts Midwest Independent Conference foe Texas Woman's University on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in Houck Field House. The theme for the dual meet is "Girl Power", all Girl Scouts will be honored during the meet and will be allowed in free of charge.

The Redhawks (2-2, 0-1 MIC) look to extend their three-dual home winning-streak that dates back to last season. Last year the Redhawks went 3-1 at home and are 9-1 since Tom Farden took over as head coach.

The Redhawks are coming off their first dual meet win of the season when they defeated Winona State, 190.825-180.150 in Houck last Friday night.

The Redhawks won all four events enroute to their season-high point total.

Freshmen Sandra Blake and Maureen Grimaldi again led the way for the Redhawks as each won two individual titles with Blake also winning the all-around title, her second-straight all-around crown.

For her efforts Blake was named Midwest Independent Conference Gymnast of the Week as she set three season-highs. She currently ranks 24th in the South Central region on the bars and in the all-around.

The Pioneers (4-4, 0-0 MIC) are currently ranked 33rd in the nation with an average of 190.875 in meets and will compete in their first dual meet of the season after competing in three tough multi-team meets to start off the season, including finishing second to No. 8 Oklahoma in a home triangular meet.

The Pioneers are led by Courtney Arno, a 2005 MIC All-Conference selection and USAG All-American on bars and beam. She is currently ranked 22nd nationally on the bars with an average of 9.825 which leads the conference

The Redhawks lead the all-time series against the Pioneers 30-7 despite falling to the Pioneers, 193.225-192.250 in a triangular meet last season. The Pioneers finished second at the MIC Championships last season ahead of the Redhawks who finished fourth.