Dec. 10, 2010
Columbia, Mo.-- The Missouri Gymnastics team came out strong in their 2011 season debut. The Black Squad took the win with a 151.750-151.225 final score. The team's only senior, Alex Gold, led the Black Squad with her 38.325 all-around total.
The meet was a good chance for the Tigers to prepare for their upcoming season.
"The first meet is a month away and we have time to correct any problems, but it is good that we have gotten out of the gym and onto the floor in front of judges," Head Coach Rob Drass said.
Stepping up in her leadership role, Gold led the Black Squad in three out of the four rotations. She finished with a 9.875 on vault, 9.650 on bars and a 9.700 on beam. She closed out her fourth rotation with a 9.100 on floor.
Sophomore Lauren Swankoski shone for the Gold Squad at tonight's meet. She came in just under Alex Gold on the vault with a 9.800. She recorded the same on beam, and she finished the evening with a 9.850 on her floor routine.
One of this year's top returners, Mary Burke competed on the Gold Squad as well. Burke recorded the Tigers' highest scores on both bars and beam, earning a 9.875 and 9.850, respectively.
Many of the freshmen made a strong debut at the meet as well, proving for a promising season outlook.
"We have a young team," said Drass. "I think they are very talented and it is just a matter of getting them to settle in and continue to be calm."
Cathryn Aliceaacosta posted strong scores contributing to the Black squad's victory. She earned a 9.500 on vault, 9.625 on beam and a 9.550 on floor.
Freshman Brittani Price recorded the Tiger's fourth place all-around score. She earned a 9.425 on vault, 8.800 on bars, 8.950 on beam and a 9.425 on floor, giving her an all-around total of 36.600.
Missouri will head back into the practice gym until January when the regular season begins in Cancun, Mexico. The Tigers will face West Virginia at the Cancun Classic on January 7. Fans can keep up with Mizzou Gymnastics on MUTigers.com or on the team's twitter account, TigerGymnastics.