Beam slump trips Southeast gymnasts

Despite a forgettable balance- beam performance, Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics team stayed close enough to nearly upset visiting Illinois-Chicago, falling 193.375 to 192.450 Saturday at Houck Field House.

In front of an announced crowd of 612, the Otahkians stood toe-to-toe with the Flames -- No. 19 in the nation and averaging a 195.075 team score -- through the first rotation. Southeast got big performances from top all-arounder Ashley Godwin in the bars and vault and saw Deanna Ogg post personal bests in the vault and bars with a 9.45 and 9.825 respectively.

Southeast trailed 97.225 to 96.45 after the bars and vault rotation, but that's when it fell apart for the Otahkians. Despite a first-place showing from first-year all-arounder Tara Boldt, Southeast could manage only a 47.125 team score on the beam. The usually solid Godwin fell three times on the beam and posted an 8.1.

Despite Godwin's beam performance, Southeast coach Patty Stotzheim said Godwin was outstanding considering she was dealing with an illness all week.

"Ashley Godwin was a real trooper today," she said.

Not hanging their heads, the Otahkians bounced back from their poor beam performance with a strong floor routine. Southeast posted a 48.875 on the floor, the only event in which they outscored the Flames.

"I think we did a good job of just going out and pulling it together on floor," Boldt said.

The highlight of Southeast's floor routine came from junior Jacklyn Doebbler. Doebbler placed first with a 9.85. Doebbler was also one of the few bright spots on the beam with a personal best 9.775.

"Today was a strong day for her," Stotzheim said of Doebbler. "She was so solid on the beam."

In the all-around competition Boldt was Southeast's top finisher with a score of 38.375. Boldt finished third behind Illinois-Chicago's Jennifer O'Neil and Alyson Cacciatore.

"She's a little spark-plug," Stotzheim said of Boldt. "She can really pour it on when it comes to meet time."

Boldt was coming off a fifth-place all-around finish Jan. 24 at the Cardinal Classic. Boldt finished with a score of 38.375.

Stotzheim said Boldt has stood out as a first-year athlete.

"I see her as having a really outstanding college career," Stotzheim said.

"I'm excited about how I've started the season," Boldt said.

Southeast ended up with the individual winner in three of four events. Godwin tied for first in the vault with a 9.75, Doebbler won the floor and Boldt tied for first on the beam.

Other big performances included Katie Bloom's third- place 9.65 on the vault, Godwin's second place on the bars with a 9.875 and a fourth-place 9.8 on the floor, and Deanna Ogg scored a 9.725 to finish fifth on the beam.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171