Bisordi sets mark as Gymcats stay hot


By Michael Irish
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Monday, March 21, 2005

The Arizona gymnastics team finished up its regular season in style as it went undefeated over spring break, winning both meets and gaining momentum for the postseason.

The Gymcats (195.650) won Friday in College Park, Maryland earning victories over host Maryland (194.125), Rhode Island (189.975) and James Madison (186.600).

"With the senior meet and the meet in Maryland, we have shown we are capable of putting out a lineup that hits," said senior Monica Bisordi. "As a team we are confident and strong."

Senior Katie Johnson, named Pacific 10 Conference Gymnast of the Week for the week of March 7 through March 13, won the floor exercise (9.875) as well as the vault (9.900). She has six floor titles and seven vault titles this season.

Bisordi won the all-around competition with a score of 39.200. Bisordi is Arizona's all-time leading scorer, with 2,041.800 career points.

"I don't expect [the record] to possibly ever be broken," said Gymcats head coach Bill Ryden. "It is hard to even fathom when you think about it."

"It was really cool for me," Bisordi said. "I didn't even know that the record existed. It is really an honor to be up there with all the other gymnasts."

Arizona was extra busy over the break, as it won the "senior meet" March 11 in McKale Center. It was the last home meet for the team's seniors.

The Gymcats wasted no time, taking an early lead after the first rotation and never looking back.

Arizona destroyed its opponents in its best meet of the year, posting a score of 196.375. Cal State Fullerton (193.600), Texas Women's University (192.700) and Ball State (191.300) also participated.

Freshman Danielle Hicks won her second all-around title in as many weeks, as she finished with a score of 39.225. Bisordi came in second with a total of 38.975.

"We have really performed well, despite injuries and illnesses," Ryden said of the team's three straight victories. "Our level of performance, as well as confidence, has risen."

The Gymcats travel to Berkeley, Calif., for the Pac-10 Championships Saturday.