Southeast gymnasts send senior Ezell out with a win

Alison Ezell admitted to having mixed emotions Thursday night.

As Southeast Missouri State's lone senior gymnast, she had just competed in her last home meet.

So Ezell didn't know whether to be happy or sad. She said she experienced a bit of both.

"It's very emotional. It's sad, the last time I'll be in here," Ezell said, referring to Houck Field House.

On the other hand, she was able to close out her home career with a victory as the Redhawks defeated Texas Woman's University 193.800 to 192.925.

And Southeast, ranked 35th nationally with one meet to go, appears in good shape to nail down its second NCAA regional berth in three years. The top 36 teams across the nation qualify for regionals.

"I've had so much fun here, a lot of laughs," Ezell said. "Getting to regionalso would be a nice way to end [my career]."

Southeast coach Tom Farden said he could not be prouder of what Ezell has accomplished both athletically and academically during her four-year career.

Ezell has been among Southeast's top gymnasts the past four seasons, including being named the Midwest Independent Conference co-newcomer of the year as a freshman.

A native of Kansas City, Ezell was a part of the 2006 Southeast squad that qualified for regionals.

In the classroom, Ezell is a Southeast Scholar Athlete majoring in physical therapy.

"Alison has done a tremendous job. She's had a great career," Farden said. "She always comes ready to compete, and she's a great student."

Southeast honored another person on Senior Night, team manager Danyelle Aber.

Aber was also a key gymnast for the Redhawks who helped lead them to the 2006 regionals, but she had to give up the sport following that season due to a knee injury that required two surgeries.

But Aber has remained with the program, which pleased Farden.

"Like Alison, Danyelle is a great person," Farden said. "We really admire her staying with the program, and it's great we still have her on the team."

As for Thursday's meet, the Redhawks avenged a loss at Texas Woman's on Feb. 8.

The Redhawks took the top two spots in the all-around as sophomore Rikara Turner scored 38.700, followed by junior Sandra Blake at 38.625.

Turner also won floor (9.800), while placing third on vault (9.775).

Blake finished first on vault (9.825), while tying for second on both bars (9.725) and floor (9.775).

Also for Southeast, freshman Brianna Gaddie was second on vault (9.800) and tied for second on floor (9.775); and sophomore Bryanna Wong tied for third on beam (9.775).

"It was a solid overall meet for us," Farden said. "We're hanging on [for a regional berth] with one week to go."

The Redhawks finish their regular season March 29 at the Midwest Independent Conference meet in Shreveport, La.