University of Missouri
NCAA Regionals
#19 Mizzou Finishes Third at South Central Regional
4/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
April 9, 2005
Lincoln, Neb. - Turning in a tremendous performance at the NCAA South Central Regional, the #19 Mizzou Tigers scored a 195.100 highest regional finish under Head Coach Rob Drass. The mark also ranks in as Mizzou's highest score recorded at an NCAA postseason meet. Michigan won the event scoring a 196.600 followed by Nebraska in second (196.300), Missouri, Arizona (194.700), Arizona State (194.125) and Illinois (193.850).
Conquering old demons in their first rotation, the Tigers quickly put last season's regional bar debacle behind them. Mizzou opened the meet recording it second highest bar score of the season with a 48.950. Freshmen Ashley Khederian and Julie Abaray got Mizzou's energy churning posting a 9.625 and 9.700, respectively. Keeping the momentum, Kelley Andersen followed scoring a 9.750 to gear up for the three consecutive 9.8+ performances. Alisha Robinson and Sarah Zigler both delivered 9.825 showings while junior Jodie Heinicka rounded out the Tiger lineup flashing a 9.850 routine.
Shining for the Tigers on beam, junior Lauren Schwartzman led Mizzou scoring a 9.850 to tie for fourth overall on the apparatus. Senior Rachael Dombart followed scoring a 9.725, Andersen and Amanda Pezzullo each delivered 9.575 routines and Robinson scored a 9.450 to rally a 48.175 team total and a fourth-place standing following three rotations.
Following a bye rotation, Mizzou got back on track scoring a 49.200 on floor to move into third-place with a 146.300 three-event total. Schwartzman again highlighted the Tigers' performance scoring a 9.900 to tie for second overall on the event. Bolstering the Tiger tally, Robinson scored a 9.875, Andersen added a 9.825 while Khederian and Whitney Crater delivered 9.800 performances.
Rounding out the meet on vault, the Tigers showcased their talents scoring a 48.800. Zigler led the Tigers off scoring a 9.700 followed by a 9.625 showing from Heinicka. Crater added a 9.775 to the Mizzou cause while Schwartzman was second on the team scoring a 9.800. Shining on her signature event, Robinson scored a 9.900 to top the Tigers and tie for second overall on the apparatus.
Competing as the Tigers' only all-arounder, Robinson scored a 39.050 to finish fifth and earn advancement to the NCAA Championships as an individual all-around qualifier. This marks the seniors' third NCAA final appearance.
Players Mentioned
