Tigers Gymnasts Drop Season Opener at Ball State

Sunday, January 7

Muncie, Ind.

7:00PMCT

University of Missouri

184.575

188.675

Ball State

Tiger Coach Rob Drass and the Tigers will have a two week hiatus before taking on SE Missouri in Columbia

1/7/2001 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics

Jan. 7, 2001

Muncie, Indiana-The University of Missouri Gymnastics team opened the 2001 season in Muncie, Indiana on Sunday evening falling to the Cardinals, 188.675-184.575. Head Coach Rob Drass said the Tigers performance was disappointing, but also that can take this experience and use it as a building block as the season progresses.

"This was a typical first meet for a young team," Drass said. "We tried to work out the jitters before the meet, but until you get in front of an actual judge, you can't really simulate a live situation."

The Tigers struggled through their opening routine of the season on bars. The rotation saw three Tiger falls with Mizzou coming away with a 44.950.

Mizzou was able to regain composure in the second rotation on vault. The Tigers put up a 46.625 and finished just .025 points behind the Cardinals. Freshman Lindsay Davis continued her strong career-opening performance with a team-high 9.5, good for second place. Through two rotations, the Tigers trailed BSU, 94.275-91.575.

Making their debut under a new choreographer, assistant coach Kira Atkinson, MU was solid. In the third rotation freshman Andrea Nervig was outstanding grabbing a 9.45, Mizzou's highest floor score. Sophomore Laura Anson and senior Ann Gietler were also solid with scores of 9.3 and 9.275 respectively.

On beam, freshman Heather Holden and sophomore Laura Forbes opened beautifully for Mizzou putting up scores of 9.35 and 9.45, respectively, in the opening two spots on beam. Davis concluded her solid all-around performance with a 9.425. However, Alina Hamm recorded the best Mizzou routine of the night slating a 9.60. Drass said that Mizzou did make a valiant effort and did not give up.

"I was very proud of the way the girls fought back and continued to improve as the meet went on," Drass said. "They did not quit and we need to keep that attitude as we go through the season."

Mizzou drops to 0-1 on the year and will have two weeks to prepare for the Missouri Cup where they will welcome Southeast Missouri State to the Hearnes Center.

Team

Team Score

Ball State-188.675

Missouri-184.625

Vault

Missouri- 46.625

Ball State-46.650

Bars

Missouri-44.950

Ball State-47.625

Beam

Missouri-47.000