SEMO GYMNASTS SUFFER ROAD LOSS VS. MISSOURI

COLUMBIA -- Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics team had its second-highest score of the season here Sunday night but still lost to the University of Missouri.

The Lady Tigers scored a best-ever home total of 193.4 to defeat the Otahkians, who finished at 191.05. Southeast has never won a meet at the Hearnes Center.

Southeast had season-high team totals in three of the four events: vaulting (48.225), floor (48.150) and beam (48.225). But the Otahkians struggled on bars (46.450), which was basically the difference in the meet.

Otahkian standout Erin Chenier won the all-around competition (38.925) while teammate Malia Roberts was second (38.675).

Chenier also finished first in vaulting (9.8) while Kathy Smith tied for second (9.7).

Missouri won the other three events. For Southeast, Chenier tied for third on bars (9.725); Erica Smith was third on beam (9.725) and Roberts tied for second on floor (9.825).

The Otahkians will return to action Saturday when they entertain Ball State and William & Mary in a 7 p.m. tri-meet at the Show Me Center.