Southeast gymnasts break out at home

Southeast Missouri State's first home gymnastics meet of the season provided the Redhawks just the lift they were looking for.

The Redhawks bettered their previous high score this year by three points during a victory against Illinois-Chicago.

Southeast beat the Flames 194.700 to 192.550 on Saturday in front of about 500 fans at Houck Field House.

"We finally put one together. I'm real happy about that," said Southeast coach Tom Farden, whose squad improved to 3-1, which includes a win over Big 10 power Iowa. "We were better in every area.

"We looked more crisp today. Being at home makes your confidence move up that much higher. And we had a great crowd. We really appreciate all the people coming out."

Southeast Missouri's State's Emily Mann competes on the uneven bars during Saturday's meet. Mann tied for second in the event with a 9.750.

Southeast junior Rikara Turner, who captured the all-around title with a score of 39.050, said the enthusiastic crowd helped motivate the Redhawks.

"The fans are awesome," Turner said. "They really get us going."

Turner also won beam with a score of 9.700 as Southeast claimed three of the individual events.

Other winners for the Redhawks were senior Sandra Blake on floor (9.875) and sophomore Christina Sundgren on bars (9.825).

Turner also was second on floor (9.850) and tied for second on vault (9.800), along with teammates Blake and sophomore Brianna Gaddie.

Southeast sophomore Lauren Dinan tied with Redhawks freshman Emily Mann for second on bars (9.750)

Also for Southeast, Sundgren, Gaddie and junior Jena Nguyen tied for third on beam (9.650), while Nguyen was third on floor (9.825).

"It was awesome to finally get a good score," Turner said of Southeast's team performance.

The Flames' lone event winner was DeAvera Todd on vault (9.825).

Southeast was 33rd in the recent national rankings, but Farden expects the Redhawks to move up.

"It was a solid score for our third meet," Farden said. "But we've got a lot more to go."

The Redhawks return to action Friday at Texas Women's University. Their next home meet is Jan. 30 against Southern Utah and Centenary.