The Bowling Green gymnastics team returns to the friendly confines of Anderson Arena, this weekend, after competing in three consecutive road meets. BG recorded its second-highest team score of the season [193.025] in a loss to undefeated George Washington last Sunday.
With the loss [194.775-193.025], Bowling Green fell to 3-3 this season. However, the team seems to have regained its confidence following a strong overall team performance in the second-half of
the meet.
“I thought the team came back strong after last weekend,” said head coach Kerrie Turner. “They stayed focused, stayed together and made some nice vaults. And then really picked it up on floor and beam. The second half of the meet was just outstanding. We saw signs of progress, and certainly were much better than last weekend, but we still have a lot of work to do.”
The Falcons were able to register several key individuals performances.
BG won the beam rotation 48.750-48.200, led by freshman Laura Mitchell’s first-place finish and career-high score of 9.875. Mitchell’s score is a team-best on the apparatus
in 2015.
Junior Caroline Ellingboe finished tied for second, posting a career-high score of her own [9.800]. Senior Gina Locigno chipped in with a solid performance by scoring a 9.725, good enough for fourth-place.
“Our energy was amazing once we got to floor and beam,” said sophomore Lauren Feely. “We really need to start doing that from the beginning.”
The Falcons recorded a team-score of 48.625 on floor, its second-best score on the apparatus this season. Locigno and junior Alyssa Nocella placed in a tie for second on floor, each earning scores of 9.800.
“Seeing that level of enthusiasm from them toward the end of the meet was phenomenal,” Turner said. “We have to bring that same energy and passion every time we step into the gym.”
Bowling Green hosts a pair of dual meets this weekend, taking on Ohio State on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m., and then again on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. against Mid-American Conference opponent Ball State.
After not recording an individual score above a 9.725 across the first two rotations [bars, vault] last weekend against the Colonials, the Falcons understand that sluggish starts have been their downfall over the past few weeks. With two crucial home meets in three days, including one against a conference opponent, the Falcons can’t afford to keep beating themselves.
“Our program is so excited to return home to Anderson Arena for two home meets this weekend,” Turner said. “Ohio State is having a great year, and they will be a tough opponent. We look forward to the challenge, and bringing our very best. Equally important will be our MAC meet against Ball State. We are ready to get a fresh start and gain momentum with these home competitions. I expect the team to really raise the performance value in competition
this weekend.”
