Otahkians perform well during home loss

With the help of a 49.275 beam score, the visiting Illinois State Redbirds spoiled Southeast Missouri State University's home gymnastics opener, defeating the Otahkians 192.850 to 192.575 Sunday at Houck Field House.

Despite a strong showing, Southeast (1-1) could not overcome the Redbirds' (2-0) near flawless beam routine. Lisa Klein won the event with a 9.95, and Denise Houda, who also won the all-around title, took second with a 9.90. Illinois State occupied the third and fourth spots as well, with Amy Biedenharn scoring a 9.850 and Jamie Reineck an 9.825.

Southeast coach Patty Stotzheim said her team did well on the beam, but just couldn't put together the type of routines needed to beat Illinois State.

"We missed a couple of combinations," she said. "That put us behind a couple of tenths."

Ashley Godwin, who scored a 9.45 on the beam, her lowest score of the day, said Illinois State is always strong on the beam.

"They were just outstanding," she said.

Southeast was led on the beam by Tara Boldt, who scored a 9.750. Amy Cole posted a 9.70 for the Otahkians.

Stotzheim said Cole's beam performance was one of the highlights of the day.

"She was rock solid," Stotzheim said.

For Southeast, the floor routine was where the Otahkians really shined. Southeast posted a team score of 48.900, its top event score of the day and a full point higher than Illinois State. Godwin finished first in the event with a 9.90. Godwin, performing her routine for only the second time, wowed the crowd of 463 with her high-flying tumbling.

Stotzheim said Godwin's routine was one of the best she's seen.

"That tumbling is on par with the best Division I schools," Stotzheim said.

Godwin said she's really been working hard on the routine in practice.

"We've been working on trying to stay outside of the box," she said. "I guess it paid off a bit."

Alexis Traylor, who took first on the floor at last week's season-opening meet against Centenary, finished second with a 9.850. Cole finished third with a 9.80 and Jaclyn Doebbler was fourth with a 9.750.

On the vault, Illinois State's Houda and Heather Mohler led the way, both finishing with 9.725. Cole took third with a 9.70.

Godwin finished first on the bars with a 9.80. Houda took second with a 9.675, and Southeast's Cole and Katie Bloom tied for third with 9.625.

Houda's all-around score of 38.950 was good enough for first. Cole finished second with a 38.825 and Godwin was third with a 38.800.

Stotzheim said she was pleased with the composure her team showed for only their second meet of the season.

"We did a lot better as far as their ability to perform under pressure," she said.

Godwin said Sunday's result was a good step forward for the team.

"There's still a few things we can work on, but it's a good start for us," she said.

Southeast's 192.575 was a four-point improvement from its first meet. The Otahkians will need to keep their momentum up as they travel to Muncie, Ind., Friday to take on Ball State.

Godwin said despite Sunday's loss, the team should be confident heading into Friday's meet.

"We're very excited, we couldn't have asked to start off any better," she said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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