Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Ball St
Gymnastics Gets Dramatic Comeback Win
2/1/2004 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
Feb. 1, 2004
MOUNT PLEASANT - With a solid score on the floor exercise in the final rotation, the Central Michigan University gymnastics team grabbed a come-from-behind victory over MAC-foe Ball State on Sunday afternoon, 192.300-191.925.
The Chippewas trailed by a score of 145-143.075 heading into the final rotation that placed CMU on the floor and the Cardinals on the beam. The home team had four routines of 9.850 or better to earn a score of 49.225 while BSU struggled to a 46.920 on the beam.
The win was the Chippewas 13th straight over a conference opponent and its 12th straight victory in Rose Arena. Ball State was the last MAC team to defeat CMU, it did so at the 2002 MAC Championships.
Juniors Sara Burtinsky and Kara Reighard led the way for the Chippewas.
Burtinsky grabbed the top spot in the all-around by posting a career-high score of 39.275. She took first on the beam (9.925), second on the bars (9.800), third on the floor (9.875) and fourth on the vault (9.675).
Reighard finished first on both the floor and the vault (9.850). Her 9.950 on the floor tied her career best.
Mattie Crawford continued to shine in her sophomore season, she took second on the floor with a career-best 9.900. She also earned a 9.775 on the vault.
Freshman Jules Passy had a career-best 9.800 on the beam in a second-place effort.
CMU jumped out to an early lead after the first rotation, 48.700-48.075, but fell behind after having four falls on the bars.
The Cardinals added to their lead in the third rotation by scoring 48.850 on the floor while the Chippewas had three falls on the beam and scored 47.750. BSU held a 145.000-143.075 entering the final rotation.
The Chippewas return to action next weekend at the State of Michigan Classic in Ann Arbor. CMU will compete against Michigan, Michigan State, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. The meet is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 6.
