Michigan State University
NCAA West Regional
Spartan Gymnastics Place Third at NCAA West Regional
4/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
April 13, 2008
Results
CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Michigan State gymnastics team finished third at the 2008 NCAA West Regional on Saturday night, in front of 3,507 fans inside of Gill Coliseum on the campus of Oregon State University. The Spartans' finish tied their best placement ever at the NCAA regionals and their best since 1989. MSU has now placed third seven times in its 18 appearances.
"I am very proud of our team's accomplishments tonight and throughout this season," said head coach Kathie Klages. "Our goal was to hit 24-of-24 routines and we came awfully close, hitting 23. It was the first time that we were seeded entering a regional and it's our best finish here since 1989, so both feats are very proud moments. Our success this season with hopefully propel us into even greater success next season."
Oregon State won the regional with a 197.100, advancing to the NCAA Championships, along with Michigan, who was second with a 196.375. The Spartans scored a 195.125 for third and were followed by Washington (194.075), San Jose State (193.850) and Sacramento State (193.575).
Sophomore Rochelle Robinson qualified for the NCAA Championships in the all-around for the second-straight season, having placed fifth with a 39.025. The championships will be held on April 24-26 in Athens, Ga.
"We are extremely excited to have Rochelle represent Michigan State at the nationals for the second-consecutive year," said Klages. "She is an exceptional athlete and is well deserving of this accomplishment."
Michigan State had some very impressive individual performances, aside from Robinson. Senior Rhiannon Banda-Scott tied for second on the vault with a 9.900 and freshman Kelsey Morley was tied for second on beam with a 9.900. Robinson's best individual finish on the night, came with a third-place showing on the floor.
The Spartans began the regional on vault, scoring a 48.725. Banda-Scott led the way with her second place finish. Also, Robinson tallied a 9.775 and junior Katlyn Roggensack posted a 9.750. Sophomore Emily Lopatofsky and freshman Nicole Argiros scored a pair of 9.675s, and freshman Kelsey Morley had a 9.625.
After a second rotation bye, MSU struggled on bars, tallying a 48.475. Their score was the second best among the six schools at tonight's meet. Robinson paced the Spartans with a 9.825, which ended up good for seventh place. Sophomore Megan Bergland posted a 9.700, while Lopatofsky had a 9.675, Roggensack had a 9.650, and junior Dani Fanning and Nicole Heikkila each wound up with 9.625.
The Green and White however responded well and scored their third best score of the season on beam with a 49.125. Morley highlighted the effort with her 9.900 to tie for second. Roggensack began the rotation for the Spartans and tied a career-high with a 9.875, placing her fourth. Banda-Scott and freshman Kathryn Mahoney tied for 13th with a 9.800. Rounding out the beam was sophomore Kelly Moffitt with a 9.750 and Robinson with a 9.550.
A fifth rotation bye was followed by a solid effort on floor by the Spartans to conclude the night. MSU scored a 48.800. Robinson closed out the night with a 9.875 to tie for third. Morley and Mahoney were among a group tied for 12th with a 9.800. The score also tied a season-high for Morley. Moffitt posted a 9.700, while Banda-Scott came in with a 9.625 and Lopatofsky had a 9.250.
Players Mentioned
