Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green State University
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Western Michigan University
Gymnastics Hosts Western Michigan on Senior Night
March 14, 2013 | Gymnastics
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University gymnastics team takes on Western Michigan on Saturday in the team's final regular season contest inside Anderson Arena. The Falcons will celebrate Senior Night, honoring the careers of Sunny Marchand and Monica Eaton, competing in their final home meet.
The Falcons look to rebound after a disappointing score last week versus Kentucky, with the team struggling through the last two events to manage only a 192.7 total. Prior to that meet, the Falcons had been above 194.5 for two weeks straight, posting a season-best score and tri-meet win against Ball State and Eastern Michigan on Feb. 23 at home. Bowling Green hopes to recapture some of the magic from that night, which saw season-high scores on balance beam (48.725) and floor exercise (49.3).
"This weekend is a great opportunity to get another conference win before the MAC Championship," said head coach Kerrie Beach, whose Falcons are currently 2-3 against Mid-American Conference opponents. "Western is a strong team, so it will take a good effort on our part. We have to be really consistent this weekend and not count any falls. We've talked about wanting to hit the 195 mark, but we realize that the goal has to be in the performances, not the number."
Against the Broncos, the Falcons will aim to put up five clean routines on each event. With four athletes competing in the all around, 16 of the team's 24 routines will likely come from Megan Harrington, Gina Locigno, Alyssa Nocella and Jamilah Ali.
For the seniors, Marchand will be in the lineup on vault, while Eaton is slated to perform on bars and beam. Both gymnasts have been key contributors for the Falcons as specialists, stepping up to compete additional events as needed during their careers. Marchand overcame a string of injuries to return to competition, after spending all of last year on the sidelines. Likewise, Eaton returned from elbow surgery over the summer, working her way back into competitive form on uneven bars.
"Sunny's made a huge comeback this year to be able to compete on vault for us," Beach said. "With the injuries she's had, I don't think a lot of athletes would've kept going. But Sunny has such a passion for this sport - she did everything she could and it really paid off for her. She's our co-captain this year and I think the team really respects the level of dedication she has. She will be greatly missed."
Marchand has vaulted in every meet this year for the Falcons, tying her career best of 9.825 at home against Ball State and Eastern Michigan. Eaton has been a leader on bars since she was a freshman, contributing big scores and unique skills to the Falcons' lineup.
"Monica has always been the kind of athlete to come into the gym with a goal and go after it," Beach said. "After her surgery, it's been a long haul to get her back. It was nice to see her perform well last weekend and we're excited to see what she can do to finish out the year."
In addition to honoring this year's senior class, the meet will also feature a children's scavenger hunt at its conclusion. Each child that participates will receive a prize, with the winner awarded a special St. Patrick's Day gift basket.
The meet is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and admission is free. The dual meet marks the final test for the Falcons before the MAC Championships, hosted by Western Michigan on March 23.
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