Feb. 28, 2008

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University gymnastics team will have their work cut out for them this weekend as they travel to #24 Kent State on Friday (Feb. 29) and then #20 Penn State on Saturday (March 1). The Falcons are coming off a tough loss at Western Michigan 193.400-193.075 on Feb. 24.

First MAC Loss

The loss to the Broncos was the first Mid-American Conference loss endured by the Orange and Brown this season. However the team did manage to score over the 193 mark for the second time this season. Sophomore Queenita Gamble was awarded Co-Gymnast of the Week for her performances.

Gamble led the team on beam where she posted a new career high of 9.775. She finished second on floor behind Jacque Bernhardt with a score of 9.775, also a career high. Bernhardt claimed the event with a 9.825. Bernhardt also led the team on vault where she finished tied for second with a 9.800. Sophomore Breanne Guy finished behind Bernhardt on vault with a 9.775. She finished the night with a 38.575 in the all-around, a new high for her.

Sophomore Morgan Balzer and Guy were the frontrunners for the Falcons on bars with scores of 9.775. Freshman Michelle Luchini returned to the line-up and scored a 9.725.

Diffusing the Golden Flashes

Kent State comes into this meet undefeated in MAC competition with a record of 3-0, and 8-3 overall. In their last outing the Golden Flashes beat Central Michigan 194.625-192.175. The team was led by senior Kristen Peters who scored a 9.825 on bars. Jill Kowalski and Laci Hendress finished second on beam with scores of 9.775. Freshman Christina Lenny received a 9.775 on floor to finish third, while freshman Christine Abou-Mitri finished second with a mark of 9.750 on vault.

These two teams met earlier this year at the All-Ohio on Feb.3 at Kent State. KSU finished the night with a score of 195.150, while Ohio State came in second with a 194.175 followed by BGSU with a 190.700. Overall in the series Kent State has a commanding 37-11-1 lead.

Scouting the Lions
In their last outing Penn State fell to Ohio State 194.250-193.650. They were led by sophomore Alexanda Brockway who finished second in the all-around with a 38.950. Brandi Personett led the team on vault with a 9.800. Brockway scored a 9.775 on bars, while she won beam with a 9.750. Personett scored a season high 9.925 on floor.

Penn State and Bowling Green have never met in competition before.

Spring Break in the Gym
After their double header the Falcons will return to snowy Ohio where they will enjoy a few days in gym. The team will head back to competition on March 9 where they compete in Raleigh, NC against the Wolfpack from North Carolina State. That meet will be at 7:00 p.m. The team will anticipate returning home on March 14 where they will wrap up their MAC competition against Northern Illinois. That meet will be held inside Anderson Area at 7:00 p.m.