Handed the opportunity, the Bowling Green gymnastics team danced their way to a victory over Eastern Michigan last night, 193.450-192.975.

“Before the last event I gathered the floor team together and I just told them it’s time to show off,” said head coach Dan Connelly, whose team trailed by one-tenth of a point after the first three events. “They responded really well and I think they showed that they are going to be a force to be reckoned with this season.”

The Falcons were led by Melissa Popovich and Kristen Dipietro, both of whom totaled a score of 39.225 and 38.525, respectively. “I think we performed very well on the balance and that was a big reason we won,” he said. “I was really pleased to see how the team responded during key situations in the meet.”

Bethany Kenel, who was competing in her first collegiate meet with the Falcons and performed in three events, said the win will give BG some momentum to start the season.

“I think this was a great way to start the season and we are feeling really positive right now.”

Popovich, the captain and the leader of the team, was pleased after last night’s meet, her teammates said.

“I think we’re a really good team and winning the first meet is good,” Popovich said. “I think we’re going to have a really good season.”

Eastern Michigan was led by Rebecca Fuss’ 38.150 score. The Falcons return to action Jan. 23, when they travel to take on Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, MO.