OTAHKIANS CLOSE YEAR IN NIT

The scores say that this is the best women's gymnastics team in the history of Southeast Missouri State University.

And coach Bill Hopkins is hoping that his 1997 squad can finish the season like no other Otahkian squad ever -- with a National Invitational Tournament championship.

Southeast enters tonight's NIT in Iowa City, Iowa -- its final meet of the season -- as the top-ranked team out of eight squads competing. But Hopkins knows the Otahkians will have to work hard for the title.

"It should be a real battle for the top four spots," said Hopkins. "It think it will be within tenths of a point between us, Michigan State, Boise State and Towson State. Michigan State has been us twice, at Alabama and at the regionals.

"And Iowa, being at home, I wouldn't count them out, even though we've beaten them twice. They'll be dangerous in front of their home crowd."

The Otahkians have had a record-setting season, shattering their previous best all-around score several times, including a top score of 196.025.

Southeast's average team score this season of 195.092 is, in fact, better than the school's previous record score of 194.725, set last year.

"It's really been an outstanding season for us," said Hopkins. "To have an average score for the season better than our previous school record score is really something."