SE GYMNASTS FALL AGAIN IN ILLINOIS ST.

Southeast Missouri State's gymnastics team suffered a narrow defeat Saturday, falling to Illinois State University 192.600 to 190.825 in the Showcase of the Arts dual meet at Houck Field House.

Stephanie Furman also had a good meet for Southeast, taking first in the vault with a score of 9.800 and second in the balance beam with a 9.75.

Southeast's Malia Roberts took first in the uneven parallel bars with a 9.825 score while teammate Heather Browning took second at 9.750.

Jessica Bagwill took third in the all-around, scoring a 38.45 overall, including a third-place finish in the floor exercise with a score of 9.600.

The bars was the only event in which Southeast bettered Illinois State. The Otahks scored a 48.375 compared to a 48.250 in the bars.

"I was very happy with our performance and accomplishing our highest team score of the season," said Southeast coach Patty Stotzheim. "We have gone through a lot this week because of injuries. All-arounders Michelle Walker and Amy Cole were both out with injuries, and we had four athletes with the flu."

The Otahkians will compete in the Cat Classic at the University of Missouri on Feb. 4-5.