University of Missouri
Iowa State
#22 Missouri Falls to #14 Iowa State
1/7/2005 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Jan. 7, 2005
Ames, Iowa - Facing the rigors of the Big 12 Conference early on, the #22 Mizzou Tigers fell to #14 Iowa State 194.925-193.050 in their opening meet of the 2005 season. Highlighting the meet, Mizzou saw tremendous performances by Tiger newcomers, freshman Ashley Khederian led the charge scoring a 38.575 all-around mark to finish second overall.
"The meet didn't go as well as we had hoped," Head Coach Rob Drass said. "We faced some first meet jitters before we got into our rhythm and settled down. By the end of the meet we looked really good. We've identified some things that we need to improve and will hit the gym to strengthen our weaknesses for next week."
Testing the waters, the Tigers opened the meet scoring a 47.650 on bars. Leading the squad, freshman Julie Abaray and junior Sarah Zigler each scored a 9.650. Newcomer Ashley Khederian recorded a 9.625 in her first collegiate outing while Kelley Andersen scored a 9.575.
Growing stronger on their second event, the Tigers recorded a 48.625 on vault. 2004 Big 12 Vault Champion Alisha Robinson led Mizzou scoring a 9.825. Sophomore Whitney Crater stepped up with a 9.800 and Lauren Schwartzman posted a 9.750 to help Mizzou.
Highlighting the floor exercise, Robinson topped Mizzou scoring a 9.775. Andersen gave the Tigers a boost scoring a 9.725, while Schwartzman and Khederian recorded 9.625 performances to help the Tigers to a 48.175.
Rounding out the meet with tremendous efforts across the board, the Tigers scored a 48.600 on beam. Abaray jump started the rotation scoring a 9.725, followed by a 9.700 from Amanda Pezzullo and a 9.650 by Khederian. Keeping Mizzou's momentum, Andersen posted a 9.700 leading up to a 9.825 by 2004 Big 12 Beam Champion Lauren Schwartzman.
"Our beam lineup did a tremendous job," Coach Drass said. "We put six up routines and all six ladies hit. It was a great start for the season. Overall I saw some great performances tonight."
Sticking to the road for a second week, the Tigers compete in the Arizona Invitational facing Arizona, Illinois-Chicago and Michigan State on Friday, January 14 at 8:00 CST.
The Tigers return home to kick off the 2005 home season on Friday, January 21 when Mizzou welcomes Centenary to the Tiger Pink Out. Pairing with Ellis Fischel Cancer Hospital, Mizzou has promised $1 of each meet ticket sold to help fund breast cancer awareness and research. Help the Tigers plaster the Hearnes Center in pink!
Coach Drass Quotes
On Tiger Newcomers
"Julie started us off on bars with a solid clean routine. She then stepped up and did a great job on beam proving why she will be a staple in our beam lineup."
"Ashley came out showing composure and did a tremendous job. It is sometimes a surprise to see that in a freshman. We will definitely look for more great things from her in the future."
On Mizzou Veterans
"I thought Kelley Andersen had a solid meet. She incorporated several new skills into her routines and I thought she handled the transition well."
"Whitney Crater was solid on both of her events. She is really coming along on vault and floor and should help us put up some big scores this season."
Players Mentioned
