April 12, 2008

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The No.36 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks turned in an impressive performance to finish the NCAA South Central Regional in fifth place. No.4 Alabama (197.300) took first followed by, No.10 Oklahoma (195.875), No.24 Illinois (195.425), No.16 Boise State (194.400), No.36 Southeast (193.850), and No.19 Arizona State (193.200).

The Redhawks stated the evening on the floor exercise as they pulled down a 48.500. Junior Sandra Blake led the way for the Redhawks as she finished with a 9.775. Freshman Brianna Gaddie scored a 9.750 while sophomore Rikara Turner earned a 9.700. Sophomore Amber Garlotte scored a 9.650 and senior Alison Ezell turned in a 9.625.

Southeast moved to vault and turned in a 48.525 led again by Blake with a 9.750. Following Blake were Gaddie (9.725), Garlotte (9.700), Turner (9.675) and junior Starlyn Schwartz (9.675).

The Redhawks had a bye for the third rotation before heading to the uneven bars. After the break, Southeast came back and nailed a 48.525 paced by Blake's score of 9.775. Freshman Lauren Dinan was the next best Redhawk as she finished with a 9.725. Sophomores Jacqueline Heath and Kelley Krengiel scored a 9.700 and 9.675, respectively.

For their final event, the Redhawks shook off the nerves and turned in a 48.300 on the balance beam. Sophomore Jena Nguyen led Southeast with a 9.725 and was followed closely by Sophomore Bryanna Wong (9.700). Blake tallied a 9.675 and Ezell earned a 9.650.

On the all-around Blake was awesome as her total of 38.975 tied for fifth place with the No.3 gymnast in the country, Kiara Redmond-Sturms.

"This was a tremendous team effort," said head coach Tom Farden. "This success is a starting point for next year."

Along with the impressive finish, coach Farden learned that he was named the NCAA South Central Region Head Coach of the Year. This was is outstanding considering the caliber of coaches in the tough region. The South Central Region consists of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona, Nebraska, Missouri, Arizona State, Illinois, Northern Illinois, Illinois-Chicago, Texas Woman's and Illinois State.

The Southeast Missouri State athletic staff and administration would like to congratulate the team on a job well done as well as a special congratulation to coach Farden on his outstanding award.