The Ball State gymnastics team posted three solid scores on the vault, bars and floor exercise during the 2005 Cardinal Classic on Friday. But falls on beam lowered the Cardinals' final score, resulting in a 191.950 total and third-place finish.
No. 25 Illinois (6-1) won the meet with a score of 192.325, while Mid-American Conference foe Western Michigan finished second with a 192.125.
Illinois State took fourth place (190.275) and Wisconsin-Eau Claire finished in fifth (185.600).
Ball State (2-6, 0-2 MAC) won two of the four events, taking first on bars (48.400) and floor (48.375). The Cards finished with a 48.125 on the vault, but stumbled on beam with a 47.050.
The low beam score was due to three of the six Cardinal performers falling. Two of the three scores with falls were counted towards the team score.
Illinois posted a score of 47.425 on the beam, 0.375 points higher than Ball State. The margin was also the overall difference of the team's total score.
Despite the falls on beam, Ball State coach Mary Roth was happy with the team's performance.
"I'm pleased," she said. "I guess the biggest thing is that we're just trying to find the right lineup. And it's a real nice luxury to have."
Kelli Davis led Ball State in the all-around (38.525), finishing second overall behind Illinois' Lauren Newcomb (38.700). The Cardinals also took the third and fourth spots as Jessica Surridge and Jenna Tarkington each had to count one fall.
Surridge tied for first on bars with a 9.800 and Tarkington won floor, scoring a 9.775.
"It was nice to see my kids finishing up at the top," Roth said. "They need that for confidence."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
