Dec. 13, 2008
Columbia, Mo. - After a long offseason, the Missouri Gymnastics team finally made its debut at the annual Black and Gold intrasquad meet. The Black squad took the win 189.650 - 177.900 behind senior Adrianne Perry's 38.950 performance on the night.
Overall, the meet was a solid warm-up for the Tigers and gave fans a taste of the season to come. It also gave the Missouri gymnasts a chance to get in front of the crowds and the judges again, Head Coach Rob Drass said.
"There were lots of good things, but also some things we need to work on," he said. "Overall, I think we did a good job. The future looks bright."
Perry looked true to form in her senior debut. She posted a 9.7 or better on all four events, including a 9.800 on beam, which tied for first for both squads.
One of the highlights of the meet was the debut of freshman Mary Burke -- who proved she was ready for the collegiate spotlight by finishing just under Adrianne Perry for the all-around title with a 38.900, including two scores of 9.800 on the vault and beam.
The Gold squad led the Black squad 95.55 - 94.70 after the first two rotations after a pair of 9.750 scores from sophomore Lauren Stephenson and junior Sarah Shire, and a 9.800 from Burke on the vault, and another pair of 9.750 scores from senior Alicia Hatcher and Burke on bars.
The Black team countered in their rotations with a 9.750 from Perry on the vault and a pair of 9.7's on the uneven bars from Perry and junior Danielle Guider. But Gold team member Shire would end the night early as a precaution after a small finger injury, and the team was left without a fifth gymnast on the balance beam.
The Black Squad then took the lead 142.3 - 131.85 after the third rotation. Perry and Guider led the Black team with two scores of 9.700 on floor, while Burke posted a 9.800 on beam for the Gold team.
Perry and the Black team finished the night on beam to seal the victory. The senior led her squad with a 9.800, which followed a strong 9.750 from Guider. Meanwhile, on floor, the Gold team posted a 46.050 behind a 9.55 from Burke.
The Tigers now have about a month before regular season competition begins on Fri., Jan. 9 at Iowa State. Missouri's first home competition will be the fifth annual "Pink Out" meet against conference foe Nebraska at 6:30 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 23 at the Hearnes Center.
Ticket information and sales for the upcoming 2009 season are available through the Missouri Athletic Ticket Office by calling 884-PAWS or 1-800-CAT-PAWS.