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UA gymnastics open season with difficult test

After finishing last season No. 20 in the nation and fourth in the Pacific 10 Conference, the Arizona gymnastics team is set to improve on its year.

Returning 12 gymnasts from last year's squad, Arizona is looking to get off to a good start when they host No. 3 UCLA, Central Michigan University and the University of Iowa tomorrow night at McKale Center.

"The first meet is always a good bridge between practice and competition," UA head coach Bill Ryden said. "This type of meet will be a good test mark to see what we need to do and where we need to go for the next meet."

The competition is a quadrangular meet, which pits four universities against one another.

Changes have been made in the lineup after the UA team lost one of its best performers, senior Maureen Kealey. Kealey, who redshirted two seasons ago, has retired because of recurring injuries to her leg.

Sprained ankles have also plagued senior Heidi Hornbeek and sophomore Brooke Stan, making the lineup even more shaky.

"There is a massive juggling of the lineup to make up for the injuries," Ryden said. "We are looking to utilize the best ability of every gymnast."

Arizona will rely heavily on sophomore Randi Liljenquist, freshman Nikki Beyschau, and junior Kara Fry, who are competing in all four events - vault, uneven bars, beam and floor.

Ryden said his team has the composure to battle nationally ranked opponents, such as UCLA.

"The girls aren't intimidated at all," Ryden said. "They just focus on us and what we have to do."

Experience will be a key factor. The 12 returning gymnasts are supplemented by freshman all-arounder Nikki Beyschau.

"I feel good about what the team can do this season," Ryden said. "We are very optimistic because we are a very experienced team."

"I am really glad that the first meet occurs with school already in session," Ryden said. "I think this helps motivate the girls when there are more people there cheering them on."