Gymcats continue setting season-highs


By Michael Irish
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Monday, February 14, 2005

The Arizona gymnastics team defeated Stanford in McKale Center Friday night, setting a new season-high with 195.225 points compared to the Cardinal 193.725.

This is the third week in a row in which the No. 20 Wildcats broke their previous season-high score for a meet.

"We have just been getting better for three weeks in a row," said Gymcats head coach Bill Ryden. "The team really came together again."

This weekend's victory will improve Arizona's regional qualifying score, the average of their six highest totals of the year, three of which must be away meets.

The Gymcats were once again led by their impressive class of seniors.

For the second straight week, senior Monica Bisordi won the all-around competition with a four-event total of 39.2.

Fellow senior Jamie Schell also competed in the all-around and placed second with a final tally of 39.075 in the four events.

"It was so much fun. I really missed it," said Schell on her return to all-around competition. "It's really good to get back in there."

Senior Katie Johnson won her fifth consecutive floor title of the year while setting a new season-high of 9.95. Johnson was given a perfect 10 by one set of judges and a 9.9 by the other, earning her a final mark of 9.95.

Bisordi also chipped in with a 9.9 performance on the floor exercise, while sophomore Jamie Holton contributed a 9.75. Both marks tied season highs.

"It's hard to get a 10 because both judges have to do it," said Ryden. "Despite that, she had a really great floor routine."

Senior Stevie Fanning led Arizona on the beam with a score of 9.825, a season-best. Bisordi took home second (9.800), while Johnson (9.725) and Schell (9.725) tied for third.

The Gymcats also posted a season-best on the uneven parallel bars with a final team score of 48.900. Sophomore Aubrey Taylor tied her career-best with a 9.875 mark in her first meet coming back from injury. In addition, Schell (9.800), Bisordi (9.775) and Jamie Duce (9.750) all added solid performances.

The Gymcats will stay at home next week, as they host Oregon State Friday at 7:30 p.m. in McKale Center.