March 20, 2008

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (6-6, 4-2 MIC) turned in big performances to complete the 2008 regular season with a defeat of Texas Woman's University, 193.800-192.925. Along with the win, the Redhawks honored seniors Alison Ezell (Kansas City, Kan./Alpha Omega) and Danyelle Aber for their dedication and hard work over the past four seasons as members of the Southeast gymnastics program.

Southeast began the evening on vault scoring a 48.775. Individually, the Redhawks took the top three spots with Sandra Blake (Tri-Cities, Wash./Mid Columbia) earning the title from her score of 9.825. Freshman Brianna Gaddie (East Grand Forks, Minn./Red River Valley) took second with a 9.800 and sophomore Rikara Turner (Hastings, Minn./Twin City Twisters) placed third with a 9.775.

The Redhawks ran into trouble on the bars as they scored a meet-low 48.125. Blake led the Redhawks on the event placing second with a 9.725 followed by freshman Lauren Dinan (Doniphan, Neb./Nebraska Twisters) in third with 9.675.

On beam, Southeast was steady and scored a 48.375. The Pioneers took down the top two spots, but sophomore Bryanna Wong (Parkville, Mo./Edge Gymnastics) was able to sneak away with a tie for third from her solid 9.775.

Southeast had a comfortable lead , over one full point, going into the last event and they nailed solid floor routines to the tune of 48.525. Turner pulled down the individual title with a 9.800 and was followed by teammates Blake and Gaddie who tied with 9.775. Sophomore Amber Garlotte (Lee's Summit, Mo./Eagle Gymnastics) also turned in a great performance as she placed fourth with 9.700.

Both Blake and Turner had excellent routines with Turner barely on top of Blake in the all-around, 38.700-38.625.

The Redhawks will now prepare for post season play as they head to Shreveport, La. to compete in the Midwest Independent Conference Championships on Saturday, March 29. The women need one more solid performance to earn a NCAA regional berth.