Gymnasts' scores tumble after multiple beam slips
If Friday's gymnastics meet was based on the best three of four events, the Wildcats would have won easily.
Unfortunately, for Arizona, the team had to count its beam routine.
The Wildcats (2-1 overall, 1-1 Pacific-10) never quite rebounded from a disappointing 45.900 on the beam, but still managed to finish second in a meet consisting of three of the top 16 teams in the nation. Host team No. 8 Washington scored a 193.000 to beat No. 16 Arizona (190.350) and No. 11 Nebraska (190.250).
"We lost our composure on the beam and you can't do that against top-ranked opponents," said UA assistant coach John Court, who watched the Wildcats fall five times on the beam. "We were lucky that it's still early in the season and hopefully we can avoid these breaks in concentration down the road."
The meet started well for Arizona, as the Wildcats scored a 48.100 on the bars to take the lead after one event. But then Arizona went to the beam, where only freshman Brooke Stan (9.475) scored over a 9.2.
"We really didn't do much right on the beam. It was just a real disappointing performance," said senior Heidi Hornbeek, whose 9.175 on the beam was her only bad mark as she finished third in the all-around with a score of 38.375. "It's just one of those things that happen and hopefully we can get back to where we should be in practice next week."
The UA coaching staff said the one encouraging aspect of the meet was the way the Wildcats gained some composure back in the floor event. Arizona scored a season-high 48.550, with a five scores at 9.6 or better.
|
