March 11, 2000
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- The Western Michigan University gymnastics team (10-6, 4-2 MAC) was defeated by rival Central Michigan Saturday afternoon, 195.825-192.800, in Mid-American Conference dual action at Mount Pleasant.
The Chippewas finished the dual meet conference season at 6-0, while the Broncos earned second place overall with a record of 4-2. WMU had finished ahead of CMU earlier this season at the Michigan Classic.
Western Michigan matched its school record of 48.425 in the vault, set earlier this season against Ball State, thanks in part to a career-best effort by Amy Kinsey. The Pembroke Pines, Fla., native specializes in vault and responded by posting a 9.800. Kinsey's first effort had only netted a 9.300.
The uneven bars, led by Andrea Ruhe's 9.825, were once again a solid event for the Broncos. The lowest score to count was a 9.650 by Stacey Watson. Watson, a sophomore, and freshman Nicole Berends were competing for the first time at Central Michigan since transferring after the 1999 season.
Senior Lori Gerhardt collected a 9.800 on the beam to lead the squad, but normally dependable Sara Trudeau and Jennifer Gleissner struggled with their routines, posting scores of 9.200 and 9.000, respectively.
The Broncos also encountered some rare problems in the floor exercise, managing a team total of 47.700. Gleissner's effort of 9.700 was the top mark on the team.
WMU returns to action at the MAC Championships on March 18. After hosting the event a year ago, Western Michigan will travel to nearby Eastern Michigan for this season's meet.
Media contact: Scott Kuykendall; 616 387-4138; scott.kuykendall@wmich.edu
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
616 387-8400
univ-rel@wmich.edu
http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news