University of Missouri
Illinois
No. 23 @MizzouGym Downs No. 15 Illinois, 195.350-195.075, in Season Opener
1/8/2016 10:13:00 PM | Gymnastics
Mizzou’s score tied the highest season opening score in program history
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The No. 23 Mizzou gymnastics team tied the highest opening meet score in program history as the Tigers notched a 195.350-195.075 win over No. 15 Illinois Friday (Jan. 8) to open the 2016 campaign. Mizzou's 195.350 matched the same score recorded by the Tigers in the 2004 season opener.
Three Tigers also claimed top honors on three different events against the Illini. Sophomore Kennedi Harris (Atlanta, Ga.) won floor with a score of 9.900, sophomore Shauna Miller (Knoxville, Tenn.) tallied a 9.850 on vault to earn the title and freshman Britney Ward (Ozark, Mo.) tied for first on beam after a 9.850.
Mizzou entered the fourth and final rotation with a 0.3 point advantage and in need of a good finish on floor to seal the victory. The Tigers responded with a score of 48.950 on the event, led by Harris' 9.900, en route to the opening meet victory. In addition to Harris, freshmen Brooke Kelly (Birmingham, Ala.) and Michaelee Turner (Parkville, Mo.) each tallied scores of 9.800 on floor to lead the Tigers.
The home squad opened the meet with a 48.600 on vault in the first rotation. Miller paced the way with her meet-best 9.850, while junior Angie Kern (Columbia, Mo.) nabbed a 9.725 and freshman Madeleine Huber (St. Louis, Mo.) went 9.700.
A 49.175 on bars propelled the Tigers into the lead following the second rotation. The score was higher than any bars score recorded last season and was the best rotation on the event for Mizzou since a 49.200 midway through 2014. Kelly and freshman Morgan Porter (Overland, Mo.) each scored 9.875s to tie for second on the event, while Huber notched a 9.800 in the leadoff position and Miller had a 9.800.
Ward's 9.850 led Mizzou to a team tally of 48.625 on beam. Miller went 9.750 to ranked second among all Tigers, and sophomore Becca Schugel (Eagan, Minn.) posted a 9.700 as well.
Mizzou continues the 2016 campaign on Sunday, Jan. 10 as the team travels to St. Charles, Mo., to take on Lindenwood at 3 p.m. CT.
Players Mentioned
