It's a learning experience for eight freshmen.
But when the Ball State University gymnastics team traveled to Bowling Green State University on Sunday, it learned that nothing will ever come easy.
In hopes of avenging a 1.50-point loss to the Falcons in 2008, the Cardinals were issued the lower hand in a 187.325-189.575 Mid-American Conference loss, extending a nine-game regular season MAC losing streak dating back to Feb. 23, 2007.
"I think they almost went in there too confident, thinking it was going to be easy," coach Nadalie Walsh said. "And then when it wasn't easy, they didn't start fighting."
From the start, nothing seemed to be easy mentally - or physically. Prior to the meet, freshman balance beam specialist Ellie Carrico fell from atop the 4-inch wide surface, later being taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. No serious injury was incurred.
"If they saw someone fall or make a mistake then somebody else would make one," Walsh said. "Each girl that made one took it to the next event-you have to let it go."
Notwithstanding, senior all-round gymnast Teresa Phipps showed that all it takes is a little impulse.
"We had a lot of good improvements during the week," Phipps said. "Today, it's good to get some of those jitters out, and not later on in the season."
Phipps posted a score of 9.75 to win the balance beam event and rally behind her fallen teammate.
"We will be able to figure out what it's like to let something go and move on," Phipps said. "Each meet is a new meet, whether you do well or not."
Other Cardinal performances included fourth place finishes by Domenique DeRosa and Brittney Emmons on the balance beam (9.475) and vault (9.625), respectively.
With the loss, Ball State increased the distance between the all-time series versus Bowling Green, one in which the Falcons lead 21-12. But with a similar 21-15 combined record of MAC opponents in 2008, Walsh and her team are continually mindful of just how much work is ahead of them, she said.
"I know the team I took today wasn't the team I took last week," Walsh said. "I expect last week's team to be here next week."
Friday, Ball State, 1-1 (0-1 MAC), travels to Ohio to take on 2008 MAC Champion Kent State University.
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
