University of Missouri
Illinois
#31 Mizzou Upsets #27 Illinois
2/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Feb. 11, 2005
Columbia, Mo. - After a lack luster opening to the 2005 season, the #31 Mizzou Tigers finally found the groove they were looking for building a commanding 196.225-193.775 lead over #27 Illinois.
Putting up their first meet of the season hitting 36-of-36 routines, the Tigers at last showed what their team is capable of. Seeing season highs on three apparatus, Mizzou came together to score its 11th highest team total in program history. The Tigers kicked off the meet scoring a 48.325 vault and continued to build momentum through the remaining rotations.
Shining on bars, Mizzou rallied a 49.325 to hit a season high mark and tie the program's second highest all-time team total. Keeping the precedent on beam, the Tigers tallied a second 49.325 to reach another milestone tying the program's highest all-time mark. Rounding out the meet in the same fashion, Mizzou tied the team's 12th finest floor performance scoring a season high 49.250.
Freshman Ashley Khederian turned in a tremendous showing scoring career high marks across the board. Highlighting as Mizzou's loan all-arounder, she scored a 9.700 on vault, a 9.875 on bars, a 9.850 on beam and a 9.825 on floor to finish third on all four apparatus. Picking up her second individual title of the year, she achieved an impressive 39.175 all-around total.
Putting forth her best presentation of the season, Alisha Robinson found her niche early scoring a 9.725 to tie for top honors on vault. Re-establishing herself as a Mizzou record breaker, she delivered an inspiring 9.950 routine on the uneven bars to tie both the Mizzou all-time and her own personal career high. Finishing up on floor, the senior left Tiger fans with a final treat scoring a 9.950 to pick up her third event title of the evening.
Continuing to serve as one of the Tigers' most consistent athletes, Lauren Schwartzman once again brought fans to their feet scoring a season high 9.975 beam routine--the second highest all-time Mizzou score. Doing her part as a three event competitor, she scored a 9.825 to tie for third on floor and put up a 9.575 on vault.
Keeping pace, freshman Julie Abaray and junior Kelley Andersen each turned in three solid events for the Tigers. Scoring a career high mark on beam with a 9.850 routine, Abaray also earned a 9.725 on bars and a 9.775 on floor. Bolstering the Tigers with career highs of her own, Andersen scored a 9.875 on bars and beam to tie her personal bests on both apparatus. She then rounded out the meet executing a 9.725 floor performance.
Seeing similar efforts by the Tigers' two-event competitors, Whitney Crater, Jodie Heinicka and Sarah Zigler each played their part in Mizzou's success. Opening the meet on vault, Crater scored a solid 9.725 to tie for first-place honors. Building on her success, the sophomore pulled out a tremendous performance on floor scoring a career high 9.875 for a second-place finish. Pulling through with a 9.825 season high on bars, Zigler also turned in a 9.600 vault. Tying her season high for the third time, Heinicka opened the meet with a 9.575 vault and set a new season mark scoring 9.875 bar routine to finish second overall.
Rounding out the Mizzou line-up, beam specialists Amanda Pezzullo and Katie Kluga each recorded season high marks hitting a 9.775 and 9.675, respectively, to help the Tigers to their all-time team high.
Looking to keep their success rolling on the road, Mizzou heads to Oklahoma next week returning to Big 12 Conference action. The Tigers face the Sooners on Sunday, February 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Players Mentioned
