The Southeast Missouri State gymnastics team wishes it could restart the season.

That's how much the Redhawks have improved since their shaky start to the year that cost them any shot of qualifying for an NCAA regional as a team.

Southeast continued its late surge Friday night by posting another strong score during its final home meet of the season.

The Redhawks avenged an earlier loss to Texas Woman's University with a 194.200-193.700 victory at Houck Field House.

"That would actually be very nice if we could do that," junior Taylor Westrick said about restarting the season. "But even though we did have a rough start, it would be nice to pick up like this next year."

Southeast Missouri State's Taylor Huey competes on the balance beam Friday.

Southeast surpassed 194 points for the second straight meet and the third time in four weeks.

The Redhawks previously had not broken 192 and had only surpassed 191 three times.

"I think we just realized how good we can be. We were good before, we just didn't realize it," Westrick said.

Sophomore Taryn Vanderpool said it has been a learning experience for the young Redhawks, who feature no seniors and just four juniors.

"I feel like at the beginning of the season we learned so much. It's helped us come together," Vanderpool said. "I feel like the way we're ending the season will just lead into next year."

Southeast Missouri State's Margaret O'Neal is congratulated after competing on the uneven bars during a meet with Texas Woman's University Friday, March 16, 2012 at Houck Field House. (Fred Lynch)

Southeast coach Kristi Ewasko has the same thoughts.

"It took us a little longer this season, but it was good we figured it out," Ewasko said. "We hope to build on this for next year."

Vanderpool had a big meet. She won her second all-around title of the season with a career-best score of 38.825. She also finished first on bars (9.875) and was fifth on beam (9.675).

"It was really exciting," said Vanderpool, whose other all-around crown came during the year's opening meet. "I feel like the energy from my teammates ... I just had fun. The last home meet, I just wanted to give it my all."

Westrick was Southeast's other event winner. She captured the beam title with 9.825. She was third on bars (9.775).

Southeast Missouri State's Angela Serafini competes on the uneven bars during Friday's meet at Houck Field House.

Junior Angela Serafini was second on bars (9.800) and beam (9.800).

Junior Emma Garrett turned in a second-place performance on floor (9.825).

Sophomore Megan Fosnow was third on vault (9.775) and fourth on bars (9.750).

Rounding out Southeast's top-four finishers was sophomore Tamara Gent (fourth on floor, 9.750).

"We had some highlight performances. I'm proud of them," Ewasko said.

Southeast (2-11) was glad to beat an opponent for just the second time this year while avenging the earlier defeat against Midwest Independent Conference foe TWU.

Southeast handed TWU (8-10) its first conference loss of the season.

"They had beaten us at their place, and it's always a good rivalry in our conference," Ewasko said. "Being our last home meet, it leaves a good taste in our mouths."

The Redhawks said Friday's meet also was a good send off for Emily Mann, who was Southeast's lone athlete recognized on senior night even though she has not been able to compete during the past two seasons due to an injury.

"It was great to have a home meet like this on senior night for Emily," Westrick said.

Mann, who owns the third best bars score in school history, has served as a student assistant coach for the Redhawks during the last two years.

"Emily has been a true blessing to have around for many reasons," Ewasko said. "Even though we miss her in the gym, she has shown her dedication and has been a tremendous help to our program. We hope there's an opportunity for her to stick around next year."

Southeast, which has several gymnasts in the running for NCAA regional berths, has its final meet Saturday at the Midwest Independent Conference Championships in Chicago.

"We hope to do even better at the conference," Westrick said.