WMU gymnastics are now 5-1 after this week

Catie Dymond
Staff Reporter

Western Michigan University Gymnastics is now 5-1 after their past two meets against UIC last Sunday at University Arena and Saturday against Eastern Michigan University.

Based off Western’s gymnastics records, the Flames are off to the program’s best start since 1988.

At UIC, the team had a final victory of 193.825 to 193.425 and scored first place in three of the four events. Caroline O’Brien was honored as a Mid-American Conference Specialist of the week for her first place and runner-up status at UIC.

O’Brien’s first MAC recognition resulted from her third straight overall win in the individual bars and win in the uneven bars with a total of 9.825. She also placed second on the balance beam with a 9.775 score.

This was the second time someone was ‘Specialist of the week’ from Western’s team. Taylor Zondervan received this honor on January 23 for receiving first place, runner-up, and fifth place during three events against Northern Illinois.

Zondervan scored a 9.825 on the floor which gave her the first place title and she also claimed the All-Around title at UIC.  Lauren Bledsoe won in vault and tied her personal high with 9.850. Runner up in vault was Hannah Brooks with a 9.775.

Last Saturday resulted in WMU’s first loss of the season with a close score of 193.025 to 192.225. From their overall season so far it was their second lowest score.

The final results were mainly due to the final performances on the beam and the 46.525 gave EMU a 1.175 advantage in points as they finished with a 47.700.

However, Western’s scores on vault and floor were higher than EMU’s scores. Western’s overall score was 48.425 for vault, 48.500 for uneven bars, and 48.775 on floor. On bars, two seniors, Cepeda Carter and Taylor Zondervan scored 9.800.

Feb. 17 the team will compete against Illinois State in Normal, Illinois at 7 p.m. and Feb. 26 the team will be hosting a home meet against Ball State during Autism Awareness Day at 1 p.m.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=29531

Posted by njstrehl on Feb 13 2012. Filed under Breaking, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Nora Strehl