Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcons Squeak Out Cardinal Classic Victory
February 06, 2004 | Gymnastics
Feb. 6, 2004
MUNCIE, Indiana - The Bowling Green State University gymnastics team, with a score of 193.475, took home top honors in the Cardinal Classic Friday evening inside Irving Gym. The Falcons edged out fellow Mid-American Conference competitor Ball State (193.425) and Big Ten member Illinois (192.975).
For the fourth consecutive week senior co-captain Melissa Popovich continued her brilliance in the all-around event. She posted a total score of 39.275, surpassing all other competitors. She also had the top score on vault (9.875), balance beam (9.850) and floor (9.850).
BGSU had a rough time on vault during the Cardinal Classic. Despite the top score by Popovich the Falcons posted a season-low 47.800 as team in the event. Pia Sjoval placed sixth on vault overall with a 9.675, but second for the Falcons.
The Falcons (4-1) got back on track with the uneven bars, capturing two of the top four places. The Falcons posted a 48.275 in the event, helped mostly by the third-place performances (9.750) of sopjomore Marie-Eve Boisvert and freshman Jillian Stranges.
With a team score of 48.650 on beam the Falcons were able to put themselves into contention for the title. Popovich took home first with a 9.850, while Stranges placed third (9.800) and Bre Metzger (9.750) placed eighth.
Like most other meets, the Falcons shined on the floor exercise. Popovich placed first with a 9.850, junior Kristin DiPietro and sophomore Jessica Guyer placed third with a 9.775. BGSU posted a 48.750 as team on the floor.
The Orange and Brown have little time to rest as they return home this Sunday when they play host to Ohio State and Kent State in the All-Ohio Championships, held inside Anderson Arena. The meet is set to begin at 2:00 p.m.
