Gymnastics: WVU Plays Host to Bowling Green
March 05, 2010 03:02 PM | General
March 6, 2010
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| Tina Maloney |
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University’s gymnastics team returns to the WVU Coliseum after a two-week absence and plays host to Bowling Green on Saturday, March 6, at 1 p.m.
The Mountaineers (11-7, 6-0 EAGL) and Falcons (5-4) last met in 2004, with WVU earning a 197.3-193.375 victory. The win pushed the Mountaineers’ series advantage to 6-5.
Saturday’s home meet follows the Mountaineers’ 0-4, two-week road trip. WVU lost, 195.95-194.925, at Penn State on Feb. 20, and finished fourth (192.975) at Nebraska’s Masters Classic on Feb. 28.
“I know the team is looking forward to competing at home again,” says 36-year coach Linda Burdette-Good. “It’s nice to compete on your own equipment and infront of your fans.
“We had three great days of practice this week. This team is really working hard right now, and hopefully that effort will payoff this weekend.”
WVU enters the weekend with a 194.195 regional qualifying score (RQS) and averages 193.784 points per meet. BGSU owns an RQS of 192.13 and an average of 191.982.
Junior Amy Bieski leads the Mountaineers’ No. 20-ranked floor lineup with a 9.815 RQS, the nation’s 47th-best mark. The Nanticoke, Pa., native also ranks 33rd in the all-around with a 38.9 RQS. Both marks are tops in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL).
Bieski has tallied 1,279.625 points in eight meets this year, including four 39.0-plus scores in the last six contests, and needs 97.625 points to break onto the Mountaineers’ all-time career point list.
The Mountaineers look to add to the win column after losing to No. 11 Nebraska (196.425), No. 18 Denver (194.175) and No. 20 Arizona (194.75) at last week’s Master’s Classic. WVU finished fourth on every event but beam, where the team scored 48.05 points and finished in third place. The Mountaineers also scored 48.225 on vault, 48.15 on bars and 48.55 on floor.
Sophomore Tina Maloney stood out last week, scoring 9.825 on floor and finishing fourth overall and first on the team. The Hanover, Ind., native also scored 9.75 on vault and 9.65 on beam.
Saturday is a Dollar Day, with all tickets and select concessions priced at $1 each. Additionally, the contest is a designated Alumni Meet.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the former gymnasts Saturday,” Burdette-Good says. “It’s always fun to see everyone, share old stories and laugh.”
Fans can follow the Mountaineers Saturday by watching a live stream at www.MSNsportsNET.com or by clicking HERE for live stats.
