WMU News

University of Pittsburgh edges Bronco gymnasts

Feb. 27, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan University gymnastics team (6-4 overall, 4-1 MAC) dropped a narrow 194.850-193.375 decision to Pittsburgh on the road Saturday (Feb. 26) in non-conference action.

The defeat was only the Broncos' second in the past seven dual meets.

The Broncos led the Panthers after three events, but failed to execute on the balance beam and as a result Pittsburgh was able to post the come-from-behind win with a strong showing in the floor exercise.

"Once again we had a lot of great things happen in the meet," head coach Terry Casperson said. "We need to put a whole meet together in order to continue receiving some good away scores."

Western Michigan continued its record-setting trend with the squad's latest action. The Broncos posted a pair of 49 or better team scores, leading to new school records in the uneven bars (49.000) and the floor exercise (49.050). Junior Andrea Ruhe's 9.925 on the bars set a new program standard and all six WMU competitors in the floor earned scores of 9.75 or higher.

Senior Lori Gerhardt, the reining Mid-American Conference Gymnast of the Week, broke her own school record in the all-around set last week with a total of 39.175. The Warren, Mich., native earned a pair of 9.85 scores and collected a 9.80 on the bars.

The Broncos continue their east coast swing against Maryland on March 1.

Media contact: Scott Kuykendall; 616 387-4138; scott.kuykendall@wmich.edu


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