Michigan State University
Iowa
Gymnasts Downed By Iowa In Big Ten Opener
1/19/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Jan. 19, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State women's gymnastics team fell to 2-2 on the season by dropping its Big Ten opener against Iowa, 193.875-191.200. The Spartans could not maintain their momentum gained during last week's season-opener when MSU posted a team score of 194.650.
Junior Christy Linder (Fremont, Ohio) was MSU's lone individual champion, winning the floor exercise with a score of 9.875, which is her second best score ever on the event. In fact, the floor was the one area where Michigan State was solid, as junior Julie Devaty (North Olmstead Ohio) and freshman Anna Hunsinger (Elizabethtown, Ky.) tied for second with a score of 9.775. MSU totalled 48.900 points on the floor, which was almost a full point better than it did on any other event.
"This was a little bit of a letdown after such a great opening last week," said MSU head coach Kathie Klages. "A lot was to be expected. We still fought hard and I was very pleased with our finish on the floor excercise. I think with that event, the girls knew there was no reason to hold back.
Michigan State dug itself in an early hole by struggling on the vault, suffering two falls. Linder posted the team's best score with a 9.775.
The Spartans again had two falls on bars, dropping MSU even further behind Iowa in the team standings. Michigan State's top bars scores were posted by freshmen Lauren Simpson (Fenton, Mich.) and Jennifer Yarbrough (Williamston, Mich.), who each had a 9.625.
On beam, Linder managed a 9.800, but it was not enough to give MSU a chance to rally against the Hawkeyes on the final rotation.
A fall on the bars cost Linder a chance at the all-around title, as she finished third with a score of 38.525. Iowa's Annie Rue had the top all-around performance with a score of 38.925.
"Overall, I think the quality of our performances had improved from last week," added Klages. "Our execution was better, so I was pleased with that."
Michigan State returns to action Saturday, Jan. 26 when the Spartans visit Illinois in a dual meet beginning at 7 p.m.
