Gymnastics: WVU Goes 1-2 in Opener
January 09, 2004 10:16 PM | General
January 9, 2004
 |
||
| Cox |
FAYETYEVILLE, Ark. -- The West Virginia University gymnastics team opened its 2004 season by defeating Illinois-Chicago and falling to No. 22 Minnesota and host Arkansas in quad meet action Friday night at Barnhill Arena.
The Mountaineers' score of 192.775 was good enough to suprass the UIC Flames who managed a 189.550, but was unable to top No. 22 Minnesota, the second place finisher with 194.675 or meet champions Arkansas who totaled a school-best 195.575. West Virginia is now 42-21 all-time in season opening meets.
Beginning the meet on floor, WVU was forced to count one fall and a few minor deductions, however the Mountaineers finished with three solid performances for a team score of 47.6.
Next competing on vault, West Virginia executed with dynamic energy, highlighted by freshman Janae Cox's team-best 9.85, tying Cox for third place on the event. In all, the Mountaineers scored a 48.8, placing them in third place after the night's second rotation.
On bars, WVU competed well, not recording a score below 9.65, with three Mountaineers--Cox, sophomore Alyssa DeSantis and junior Carri Nagle--recording scores of 9.8 or better. WVU totaled 48.8 on bars as well.
On the last rotation of the night, beam, WVU was forced to count two falls and the Mountaineers managed only a team score of 47.575, their lowest of the night.
Cox opened her collegiate campaign by earning her first career 39.0 or better score, a 39.025. The score was good enough for third place in the all-around competition.
The Mountaineers return home for a 2 p.m., meet on Sunday, Jan. 18 against N.C. State and Ohio State in the WVU Coliseum.
