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NewsFebruary 27, 2005

The Southeast Missouri State gymnastics team continues to post strong scores despite being racked by injuries. Saturday afternoon, the Redhawks were solid if not spectacular in front of their home fans during a 192.725-188.325 victory against Wisconsin-LaCrosse at Houck Field House...

The Southeast Missouri State gymnastics team continues to post strong scores despite being racked by injuries.

Saturday afternoon, the Redhawks were solid if not spectacular in front of their home fans during a 192.725-188.325 victory against Wisconsin-LaCrosse at Houck Field House.

The Redhawks improved to 4-5, which coach Tom Farden said doesn't reflect how well they have been performing. Southeast scored better than 193 in two road meets last weekend -- including a season-high 194.525 -- but beat just one of the three squads it faced.

"Our record doesn't reflect the type of season we're having, but we've really been facing a high level of competition," Farden said. "We're definitely posting some strong scores, and after the Olympic cycle, they've tightened the rules, so the scores get tougher."

Farden is pleased the Redhawks have been able to remain strong despite losing three key performers to injuries suffered in practice. Sophomore Brystol Powelski (knee), freshman Mindi Lineweber (hand) and freshman Jennifer Kaye (arm) are all out for the season.

"They were big scorers for us, but it's just a run of bad luck," Farden said. "Even with the injuries, the team is performing very well."

Said junior standout Tara Boldt, who posted a season-high score of 39.075 to win Saturday's all-around: "We have a lot of support for each other, and that really helps us get through the injuries because we really encourage each other."

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Boldt, who entered the meet ranked 44th nationally in all-around with a regional qualifying score of 38.250, won bars (9.775), tied for first on floor (9.800), was second on beam (9.775) and tied for second on vault (9.725).

"We had some strong points and some weak points today," Boldt said.

Southeast's other event winners were senior Katie Bloom on vault (9.775) and senior Crystal Eberhardt, who tied with Boldt on floor (9.800).

Sophomore Lexie Hein placed second in all-around (38.750), which included a tie for second on vault (9.725) and a tie for third on bars (9.625).

"Tara and Lexie have really been doing a tremendous job," Farden said.

Freshman Alison Ezell finished third in all-around (38.250), which included a tie for third on bars (9.625). Also for Southeast, sophomore Natalie Watts was third on beam (9.700).

The Redhawks have their final home meet March 6, when Illinois State, Winona State and Wisconsin-Stout visit Houck Field House for a 1 p.m. senior day event.

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