Jan. 24, 2008
Columbia, Mo. - Coming in ranked one spot behind No. 13 Nebraska, the 14th ranked Tiger gymnastics team will look for the programs first win over the Huskers since 1995 when it heads to Lincoln, Neb. for what should be a pivotal match up in Big 12 Conference Competition. The meet will be held Friday at the Bob Devaney Center at 7:00 p.m.
With a win, the 2008 Tigers could earn their place in history, being the first team to top the Huskers since 1995 and give the Tigers their first win ever at Nebraska. Since 1980, the first year of Tiger gymnastics, the Tigers have not beaten the Huskers in Lincoln. It would also be the first time since 1992 that the Tigers would start a season 3-0. They started 7-0 that year.
With a lot on the line Friday, the Tigers seem ready to go after each of their first two meets this season. The Tigers had two different winners in the all-around in each of their first two meets, highlighted by junior Adrianne Perry (Columbia, Mo.) who scored a 39.225 against Iowa State. Sophomore Sarah Shire (Columbia, Mo.) won the all-around at Bowling Green posting a 39.150. The Tigers expect big things from both Perry and Shire while at Nebraska.
Junior Alicia Hatcher (Blue Springs, Mo.) is off to the best start of her career, as she claimed two event titles against Iowa State. Hatcher notched a 9.825 on both bars and beam, claiming the crown on both events. The Tigers have also been getting large contributions from a handful of freshmen, including Alex Gold (Plano, Texas). Gold currently ranks 20th in the nation on vault, averaging a 9.850. Freshmen Lisa LaPerriere (Macomb, Mich.) and Lauren Stephenson (Kansas City, Mo.) have also been inserted in various lineups in the first two meets and scored big points for Mizzou.
The Huskers are led by senior all-arounder and nine-time All-American, Emily Parsons. Parsons led the Huskers to a Big 12 title and a sixth place finish at last years NCAA National Championships. Joining Parsons are two Big 12 Gymnasts of the Week, Tircia Woo and Desire' Sniatynski. Both earned the honors on the heels of the Huskers victory over Arizona State in the openeing weekend.
For Head Coach Rob Drass, the trip to Nebraska marks a homecoming, as Drass was an assistant coach from 1991-99 at Nebraska. Drass, just like the team will be looking for his first victory over his former team this weekend. With the Tigers just one spot behind the Huskers in the GymInfo poll, topping the Huskers has become a reality for Mizzou.
Stay tuned to www.mutigers.com for meet results, and all of the latest on Mizzou Gymnastics.