Southeast Missouri State gymnasts land season-best total to win

The Southeast Missouri State gymnastics team continued to improve its season score, posting a season-high total to win a three-team meet Sunday afternoon at Houck Field House.

"Tonight was about just working after our struggles from Friday night. The athletes rededicated and recommitted to what their plans were for tonight, and I think it really showed," said Southeast coach Kristi Ewasko. "They fought through wobbles and every team member did their job, and I'm really proud of them for that."

The Redhawks put Friday night's loss to Missouri in the past, finishing first in team competition with 194.075 points.

The University of Illinois-Chicago finished second with a score of 193.475, followed by the University of Alaska-Anchorage at 190.325.

Southeast posted the high-team score in all four events.

"Coming home from Mizzou, I told the athletes they needed to decide what happened and how they were going to come out and fix it today," Ewasko said. "They had a team meeting, and I think that really helped them to shine tonight and show that they do want to fight and are willing to do what it takes to get to regionals."

Freshman Alyssa Tucker finished second in the all-around competition with 38.900 points. Senior Taryn Vanderpool finished close behind her teammate in third with a score of 38.575. Catherine Dion of UIC finished first with 39.375.

"I'm excited to place in the overall," Tucker said. "First would be better and I'm still looking for that 39.00 point mark, but going forward there are just some little changes I need to make to my routine in order to get better."

As a team, the Redhawks improved tremendously on the beam, which has proven to be their toughest routine this season.

Ewasko continued to shuffle her lineups, and by adding some freshman to the mix, the Redhawks were able to find a winning sequence on the balance beam with a 48.975 total.

"I think some of the nerves showed, but after Vanderpool fell, which is very uncharacteristic of her, I think the freshmen stepped up, really did their job and held on to this beam team," Ewasko said. "Tucker was really strong for us tonight."

Tucker scored a 9.775 to finish second in the beam to lead the way for the Redhawks. Dion placed first with a 9.850.

Southeast continued to look strong on the vault, led by senior Megan Fosnow. Fosnow, along with freshman Ashley Thomas scored a 9.825 and tied for second place in the event. The Redhawks' 48.975 team points in vault ranked second in school history.

"Today I just tried to stay calm, do what I know how to do and not rush because of the pressure or excitement," Fosnow said. "Everyone else on my team was doing so well on the vault, so the excitement was there for all of us, all I had to do was stay calm and I was glad I could do that."

Southeast scored 48.925 in the floor exercise, led by freshman Bailey Walker, who won her first event this year with a 9.875. Vanderpool tied for third at 9.850.

The Redhawks scored 48.900 in the uneven bars, UIC's Dion placed first in the event, but Southeast hadh the next four finishers, led by Fosnow (9.825) and Vanderpool 9.800).

Southeast returns to action Friday when it will host Ball State in a 6:30 p.m. dual.