Denise Houda and Lisa Klein, Illinois States two individual competitors at Saturdays NCAA Regionals in Columbia, Mo., were not able to advance to the national competition, as Houda placed 12th in the all-around competition and Klein came in 15th in the balance beam rankings.
Competing alongside UCLA, the nations No. 1 team, Houda began on the floor exercise and earned a 9.8. On her next event, the vault, Houda posted a 9.5. After a bye, Houda competed on the uneven bars, putting up a score of 9.8. Houda wrapped up the meet on the balance beam and earned a 9.75, good for a total tally of 38.850.
Klein, competing with Illinois-Chicago, posted a 9.75 on the balance beam.
Going in to todays competition I was very nervous, Houda said. Going with UCLA is a big thing, but they made me feel so welcome and they were so encouraging. As soon as we got started I felt a lot better. I couldnt have asked for a better day to end my career.
Klein, a sophomore, echoed Houdas sentiments but also expressed her excitement at bouncing back from 2002s season-ending injury.
Im just excited that I went up there (on the beam), Klein commented. Its not the best Ive done all year, but it was a very solid set. Im happy with myself because I did the best I could, and I just tried to enjoy it since last year at this time I never expected to be here now.
Head coach Beth Larson felt Houda and Klein performed to the best of their abilities.
Both Lisa and Denise had incredible evenings, Larson said. They stepped up to the pressure, went well beyond expectations and ended this season with a bang. They represented Illinois State and Redbird gymnastics in high-class fashion.
The final standings for Saturdays meet were UCLA finishing first with 197.700, Iowa totaling 195.875 for second place, Oregon State claiming third with a tally of 195.850, Arizona placing fourth with a total score of 195.450, host Missouri totaling 194.825 for fifth and Illinois-Chicago rounding out the field with a score of 193.200. The top two teams, UCLA and Iowa, advanced to nationals. The top individuals advancing were Alisha Robinson of Missouri and Monica Bisordi of Arizona.
Other highlights from the meet included UCLAs Jamie Dantzscher posting a 10.0 on the floor and a 39.750 all-around tally, winning her first-place honors in both. Dantzscher also placed first on the uneven bars with a score of 9.95 and tied with teammate and Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, Kate Richardson, for first on the beam when they both posted 9.925. Robinson earned a 9.9 on the vault, good for first in that event.
The national competition will be held April 24-26 in Lincoln, Neb.
