Michigan State University
Michigan - Alumni Meet
Spartans Fall To The Wolverines 196.725-194.850
2/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State fell to Michigan by a score of 196.725-194.850 on Friday evening at Jenison Field House. In just the second home meet of the year, the Spartans scored a season-high 48.975 on bars in front of 1,440 fans at the Annual Alumni Meet.
"We certainly improved upon last weekend, so that's good," said head coach Kathie Klages. "We get a chance on Sunday to come back and improve again, so that's what we're hoping to be able to do."
In the first rotation, junior Nicola Deans led the way on vault scoring a 9.825 and tying for second place. Freshman Anna Gamelo and junior Lisa Burt followed Deans, tying for sixth with a score of 9.775. Despite finishing ninth and 11th on the event, freshman Victoria Huehn tied her career-high 9.700 and sophomore Holly Ryan tied her career-best 9.600. As a team, the Spartans scored a 48.675 in the first rotation.
Moving to bars, Burt notched a 9.875 and tied for a second-place finish. Sophomore Mackenzie Smith tied for fourth with a 9.825, increasing her season average. Voted a 2015 Big Ten Gymnast to Watch after a successful 2014 campaign, senior Alina Cartwright was able to compete on bars for just second time this season. Due to injury, Cartwright has been unable to compete since MSU traveled to Bowling Green in the 2015 season opener. Tonight, Cartwright matched her career-high 9.825 on bars and tied for fourth on the event. As a team, MSU scored a season-high 48.975.
On beam, Burt tied her season-high 9.900 for a second-place finish. Junior Brittany Holmes followed Burt, matching her season-high 9.775 and tying for seventh alongside teammate Huehn. The Spartans came away with a 48.300 on the event, increasing the team score by .350 since competing last week at Penn State.
In the final rotation of the day, sophomore Elena Lagoski scored a 9.875 on floor for a third-place finish. Burt followed closely, placing fourth with a 9.850. Sophomore Kira Frederick tied for fifth, increasing her season average with a 9.825. The Spartans marked a 48.900 as a team.
Burt was the only Spartan to compete all-around against Michigan. Coming into the meet holding three all-around crowns already this season, Burt earned her second second-place finish of the year with a 39.400.
"Lisa has been a stud this year," said Klages. "She is just rock solid when it comes to pressure. We're really proud of what she has done this year. With both of our seniors out (due to injury), Lisa has done an outstanding job taking a leadership role."
The Spartans will look to bounce back on Sunday, Feb. 15 as they host Pittsburgh in the Annual Autism Awareness meet. The meet is set to begin at 2 p.m. in Jenison Field House, but the team and coaches invite fans to arrive early and enjoy performances put on by special guests.
"The opportunity to get out on the competition floor again will help those that had errors tonight," said Klages. "I think it will be positive to get back on the floor right away."
Players Mentioned
