Redhawks upset Kentucky in season debut

The Southeast Missouri State gymnastics team opened its season Friday night with dual meet victory over No. 18 Kentucky at Houck Field House.

The Redhawks won 192.625 to 191.875, defeating a Kentucky team that had beaten Auburn in its season-opening match.

"We're thrilled," Southeast coach Tom Farden said. "We scored in 20 of 24 routines. We had a lot of freshemen in the rotation and I was pleased they were able to adjust to their first Division I gymnastics meet."

The Redhawks turned their best score in the floor exercise, the final event of the meet.

"That's where I felt our team really went after it," Farden said.

Sophomore Rikara Turner was the Redhawks' top performer, taking second in the all-around with a 38.6. She tied for the individual title on the floor exercise and took third in the vault.

Southeast freshman Brianna Gaddie was one of the two gymnasts who tied with Turner for the title on the floor exercise.

Southeast won three of the four events -- vault, bars and floor exercise.