The Ball State University gymnastics team landed in last place at the Mid-American Conference championship Saturday, ending its season.
The Cardinals finished with a final score of 188.225. Ball State held one of the last two places in every event with 47.600 on the vault, 46.150 on the bars, 46.225 on the beam and 48.250 on the floor.
Coming in last for anything is disappointing, but the team didn't have to count many falls, said Junior Jenna Tarkington, who is team captain,
"It just wasn't in the cards for us this meet," Tarkington said. "We went in there with positive attitudes and tried our best. That's all we could ask for."
The highest position Ball State achieved in the all-around was held by junior Kelly Watson. She came in seventh with a total score of 38.225. Watson received a 9.675 on the vault, 9.425 on the bars, 9.600 on the beam and 9.525 on the floor.
Sophomore Erica Gilkerson followed closely behind. She earned 10th place in the all-around with a total score of 37.825. Gilkerson finished with 9.700 points on the vault, 9.050 on the bars, 9.350 on the beam and 9.725 on the floor.
Junior Lauren West placed 12th in the all-around with 37.400 points and sophomore Kaitlyn Wills placed 13th with 37.025.
Tarkington already has next season on her mind. She thinks coach Lisa Simonton is happy with the results of this season, she said.
"Even though we did place seventh we stuck to her plan," Tarkington said. "It didn't come out the best way but we tried hard and didn't give up."
She is relieved to have the season over but excitement comes with new recruits and injured gymnasts coming back next season, West said.
"We've seen the bottom, now we want to see the top," she said.
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