SEMO GYMNASTS SIZZLE TO WIN MEET AT MISSOURI

COLUMBIA -- Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics squad put on a dazzling show Sunday as the Otahkians won the four-team Shakespeare's Festival hosted by the University of Missouri.

The Otahkians scored 192.75 points, marking the highest-ever total in the nine-year history of the meet.

Missouri was second with 191.65, followed by Illinois State with 187.925 and Centenary with 186.525.

"We just had an awesome meet and our gymnasts are really fired up," said an excited Southeast coach Kris Buchheister, a former Missouri gymnast and assistant coach. "There were about 2,100 people at the meet and to have the showing we did was awesome.

"It's our first win ever against Missouri at Missouri. Everybody just did a great job."

Southeast's Malia Roberts won the all-around competition with a score of 38.875.

"She had a tremendous meet," Buchheister said.

Roberts was first on floor (9.825) and bars (9.775) and she tied for first on beam with teammates Heather Browning and Erica Smith as all scored 9.75.

Cristie Logan and Stephanie Furman tied for second on vault (9.65) while Erin Chenier was third on bars (9.75).

The Otahkians will return to action Jan. 30 when they have their first home meet of the season, taking on Illinois State.