Southeast Missouri State gymnasts earn season's first win

Southeast Missouri State gymnastics coach Kristi Ewasko was waiting for the 2012 Redhawks to hit on all cylinders.

Ewasko got her wish Friday night when the Redhawks notched their first win of the year.

The Redhawks beat visiting Illinois State 194.375-193.650 at Houck Field House. They bettered their previous season-high score by more than two points and posted season bests in all four events.

"I am very proud of the team tonight," Ewasko said. "I also want to thank our fans for their showing tonight. We had great support from our student section especially. They provided outstanding energy for us."

Southeast (1-7) began the meet on vault where it recorded a 48.750. Four Redhawks cracked scores of 9.725 or higher, led by Taylor Huey's first-place 9.875.

Emma Garrett posted a season-best 9.800, while Megan Fosnow and Tamara Gent both scored 9.725.

"Taylor Huey really stepped up for us on vault," Ewasko said. "I am very excited about what's to come for her."

Southeast scored 48.250 on bars. Fosnow and Taryn Vanderpool tied for first with 9.800. Taylor Westrick was third with 9.775.

The Redhawks scored 48.300 on the balance beam, with Westrick's 9.825 giving her a share of the title. Fosnow and Vanderpool also were strong in that event. Both recorded a 9.725.

ISU led 145.575-145.300 entering the last rotation, but Southeast went six-for-six on the floor exercise and exploded for a 49.075, a full point higher than ISU's 48.075 beam score, to take the team competition.

All six Redhawks scored at least 9.725 on floor, and they did not count a score lower than 9.750.

Garrett closed the rotation with a career-best 9.900 to finish first. Tamara Gent was second (9.850), while Westrick (9.800), Erin Brady (9.775), Kimberly Pickerl (9.750) and Fosnow (9.725) also were solid.

"This meet was different because we had the scores flashing," Ewasko said. "Heading into the last rotation, we knew we were down. I gathered the team together and told them it was time to take over this meet, and they did just that. Our floor group really stepped up to finish off the meet."

Fosnow finished second in the all-around competition with a career-best 38.975.

"Megan did a great job on all-around for us, hitting on all four events," Ewasko said. "Emma once again was tremendous on both vault and floor. It was also great to see Taryn back competing in three events. I look for her to improve and get back into all-around as well."

The Redhawks return to action Saturday with a quad meet in Denton, Texas, against Iowa, BYU and host Texas Woman's.