Wildcat gymnasts upset defending Pac-10 champs

Ian Mayer Arizona Daily Wildcat Junior gymnast Maureen Kealey performs her routine on the uneven bars at McKale Center Friday against Stanford. Arizona had its highest score of the year as they beat the No. 10 Stanford Cardinal 194.050-193.425. Kealey took the all-around title with a 39.050.

The Wildcats (7-4, 3-2 Pacific 10 Conference) were led by junior Maureen Kealey, who won the all around title with a score of 39.050, followed by senior Heidi Hornbeek's 38.925 and Stanford's Jennifer Exaltacion's 38.850.

The Cardinal dropped to 8-3 overall, 4-2 in the Pac-10.

UA head coach Bill Ryden said the key was Arizona's performance in one event.

"The beam was definitely the bright spot," he said, noting the beam had been Arizona's Achilles' heal prior to the meet.

"We didn't have to count a fall for the first time all year."

Arizona's final score on the beam was 48.775.

The Wildcats also took home the bars title with a 48.650, led by Hornbeek's 9.80. Kealey and senior Kristin McDermott finished second and third.

"Things are looking better every week," Kealey said. "We're definitely where we want to be."

Arizona will next take a break from Pac-10 play with a meet at Michigan Saturday.