SE GYMNASTS UPENDED BY CENTRAL MICH.

Southeast Missouri State University's gymnasts were looking forward to a big home victory Wednesday night.

But Central Michigan had other ideas. The visitors proved solid in most areas as they knocked off the Otahkians 193.350 to 192.300 in a dual meet at Houck Field House.

Despite the loss, Southeast coach Kris Buchheister saw plenty of positives.

"Any time you come within a point in gymnastics, it's a close meet," said Buchheister. "Central Michigan looked good everywhere but balance beam.

"We had some problems on uneven bars, but still had a good overall meet. Erin Chenier looked strong on vault while Malia Roberts had a great bars and floor routine. Ericka Harrison was a standout on beam."

Chenier had Southeast's lone first-place performance, winning beam with a score of 9.775.

Roberts was second on both bars (9.825) and floor (9.875) while Harrison placed second on beam (9.775).

The Otahkians' Erica Smith was third on beam (9.750).

Central Michigan's Bethany Couturier had a tremendous meet, winning the all-around with 39.250. She placed first on bars (9.850) and beam (9.850).

Central Michigan's Nicole Liphardt was also impressive, finishing second all-around (38.700). She won the floor (9.975).

The Otahkians will have their final home meet Sunday, facing Auburn at 2 p.m. at Houck.