BY BY NICK COSTON
Daily Sports Writer
Published February 8, 2009
The Michigan women’s gymnastics team is ranked No. 16 in the nation — and, as of this weekend, it's the best team in the state.
More like this
The Wolverines won the State of Michigan Classic for the seventh time in nine years. They swept all four events of the meet to capture a decisive victory over Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Western Michigan with a team total of 195.925, their highest of the season. Michigan State, which hasn't scored above a 195 this year, doesn't participate in the Classic.
Though the competition might not have been as fierce as it was the past two weeks, when Michigan beat No. 20 Minnesota and No. 18 Iowa State, the Wolverines were still prepared to compete. They scored season highs on the vault and uneven bars and tied a season high on the floor routine.
“We talked about not letting up earlier this week,” junior Sarah Curtis said. “For us, it’s about improving week in and week out. As long as we set our own goals and stay focused, I don’t think it matters who the opponent is.”
Curtis, who has been named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week twice this season, continued her stellar year on Friday by winning the all-around with a 39.350.
“Sarah did awesome tonight,” Michigan coach Bev Plocki said. “She was solid on every event. I wouldn’t be surprised if she (won Big Ten Gymnast of the Week) for the third time.”
Michigan’s dominance in Crisler Arena was aided by the squad’s return to full strength. Sophomore Kari Pearce vaulted for the first time in four weeks, scoring a season-high 9.750, and sophomore Trish Wilson competed on the uneven bars for the first time all season. She finished in second place in the event (9.900).
“They were a big help,” Plocki said. “The kids that are just now getting back into the lineup will be able to get into their comfort zone now, and that’s what’s going to project us into the upper 196s.”
Every team that made it to the Super Six at last year's NCAA Championships scored at least a 196.125.
Michigan’s next meet this Friday at Crisler Arena will be decidedly tougher. The Wolverines face Big Ten foe Penn State, which despite its two losses, has been scoring higher than Michigan most of the season.
