Bowling Green State University
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Western Michigan University
Falcons Win Big on Senior Night
March 16, 2013 | Gymnastics
Falcons break 195 for the first time since 2005 to beat Western Michigan
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University gymnastics team dismantled Western Michigan, 195.175-192.950, to earn a crucial Mid-American Conference win and close out the regular season in Anderson Arena. The Falcons' score was the sixth-best in school history and marked the first time BGSU has broken the 195 mark since 2005.
MEET RESULTS (PDF)
VIDEOS FROM BG GYMNASTS (YOUTUBE)
Bowling Green was led by strong all-around performances from Megan Harrington (39.025) and Alyssa Nocella (38.85), who each matched their career bests to finish 1-2 in the all-around rankings. It was also the final home meet for the team's two seniors - Sunny Marchand and Monica Eaton.
"I'm just thrilled," said head coach Kerrie Beach. "There was a lot riding on this meet, especially because we had kind of a rough meet last weekend. The team was really focused - I think that was the difference. Even the athletes that weren't competing were focused. That's what you need. You need everyone on the floor moving toward the same goal and they were really able to do that."
The Falcons started on vault, totaling a steady 48.825. Jamilah Ali led the way, tying her career-best mark of 9.875 for a dynamic effort and the event win. Amanda Lievendag (9.8), Marchand (9.775), Harrington (9.725) and Nocella (9.65) rounded out the first rotation, as the Falcons trailed WMU 48.875-48.825.
In the second rotation, BGSU looked confident on uneven bars to score a 48.600. Harrington (9.625) and Gina Locigno (9.6) led off well, while the final three performers were solid under pressure after an error from the third gymnast in the lineup. Freshmen Nocella (9.7) and Caroline Ellingboe (9.8) hit their routines, setting up Lievendag for a 9.875, tying her career high and earning her a seventh bars title on the year.
At the halfway point, the Falcons and Broncos were knotted up at 97.425.
The tables turned in the third rotation, as WMU stumbled to two falls on floor. Meanwhile, the Falcons stayed calm to hit five good beam routines, despite a fall early in the lineup. Ellingboe led off with her cleanest routine of the year for a 9.7. Specialist Maria Salvia followed with a 9.6. The end of the lineup again came through, with Ali (9.75), Nocella (9.625) and Harrington (9.825) staying on to give BGSU the lead, 145.925-145.425.
Confident after hitting beam, the Falcons moved to their best event - the floor exercise. With an energetic home crowd cheering them on, Bowling Green delivered a 49.250 to secure the 195.175 win. Locigno was the top scorer, earning her first career 9.9 for a rock-solid routine and the event title. Nocella (9.875), Harrington (9.85), Ali (9.825) and Megan Valentini (9.8) all hit their tumbling to close out the Falcons' finest showing of the season.
The team now sets its sights on MAC Championships, hosted by Western Michigan on Saturday, March 23. The Falcons travel to Kalamazoo, Mich. with a MAC record of 3-3, with wins over Ball State, Eastern Michigan and WMU during the regular season. Riding the momentum of a successful year, Bowling Green looks to notch a high score and big finish at the MAC Championships.
