2008 Woodie Awards
Tears of joy for DU gymnastics
Team advances to NCAA nationals for first time since 2001
Jim Tripp
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: Sports
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The Pioneers finished second, behind Georgia and just ahead of Penn State. The second place qualified DU for the NCAA playoffs.
The schools that qualified for the regional championship were DU, BYU, Georgia, Minnesota, Penn State, and Utah State. Gymnasts from Iowa and Southern Utah also competed.
The top two teams in the regionals move on to nationals and individuals from other teams that do not move on to the finals also have the opportunity to advance to nationals.
The Pioneers began the night with a bye, and then started on floor. The floor exercise is typically what DU finishes with when they are at home; but at the NCAA regionals, officials chose the order.
DU scored 49.150 on the floor to get off to a great start. Sasha Sullivan lead the way with a 9.875 followed by Heather Huffaker with a 9.850. Both Jessica Lopez and Gretchen Goerlitz received 9.825 while Ellen McCarthy had a 9.775. Katie Andrews scored a 9.700.
The Pioneers followed their strong performance on floor with yet another strong performance on vault with a team score of 48.950. Huffaker scored a 9.875 followed by 9.800 from both Casey Dobyns and Courtney Butler. Liz Meals scored a 9.775 while Kelley Hennigan had a 9.700 and Sasha Sullivan a 9.650.
The total score for the Pioneers was 98.100 which put them in second place followed closely by Penn State with a 97.825 through two rotations. Georgia was at 98.800 and its lead would only get better as the night continued.
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