Mizzou's 'Beauty' too much for Redhawks

The Southeast Missouri State women's gymnastics competed at the University of Missouri Friday night -- but it was not a typical dual meet.

Missouri, ranked 19th nationally, joined with the Tigers' second-ranked wrestling squad as the two programs hosted the first annual "Beauty and the Beast."

During the event, the gymnasts squared off against each other while the Missouri wrestlers took on Northern Iowa simultaneously on the Hearnes Center floor.

"It was very unique," Southeast coach Tom Farden said. "Wrestling is an intense sport, so it created an intense atmosphere."

As for the meet itself, Missouri proved too strong for 32nd-ranked Southeast. The Tigers scored 194.775, while the Redhawks scored 192.7.

Sandra Blake finished third on the vault for Southeast (10-2) with a 9.775.

Bryanna Wong and Alison Ezell tied for third on the beam with a 9.675.

Wong and Blake also tied for fifth on the floor exercise with a 9.725.

Maureen Grimaldi led the Redhawks in the all-around in third with a 38.300.

MU's Adrienne Perry captured the all-around with a 39.500.

Tennis wins first match

The Southeast women's tennis team had an unusual night in Little Rock, Ark.

Southeast was supposed to play Alcorn State, but that squad did not show up.

Instead, the Redhawks faced Henderson State and came away with its first win of the season in an abbreviated indoor match.

Only doubles were played, with the Redhawks (1-1) sweeping all three matches.

No. 1 Bryce Kristal and Drew Kristal won 8-2; No. 2 Luz Garcia and Julia Masotti won 8-5; and No. 3 Kim Anderson and Elise Nattier prevailed 8-5.

Also Friday, the Ohio Valley Conference preseason tennis poll -- voted on by the league's coaches -- was released.

Southeast, which tied for sixth a year ago, was picked seventh out of 11 teams.

Samford, which finished second last season but won the conference tournament, was selected first.