Michigan State University
Oklahoma
Spartans Fall to No. 1 Oklahoma, 196.825-194.125
2/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Feb. 26, 2010
Results
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State gymnastics team (9-5, 3-3 Big Ten) welcomed No. 1 Oklahoma (11-0) to Jenison Field House on Friday, Feb. 26. The Spartans started strong but were unable to continue its home winning steak, as they fell 196.825- 194.125. MSU was led on senior night by senior Nicole Curler with her first-place all-around score of 39.325.
"I think we did quite well on three events tonight - the vault, the balance beam and the floor," said head coach Kathie Klages. "We really struggled on the bars as we had to count a fall. We just need to get some bodies healthy to select from, because it has been the same gymnasts going meet after meet, and they need to rest. We are excited about our time off and we are looking forward to a very fun trip out to California."
The Spartans began strong on the vault with Curler leading the way with her personal-best score of 9.925, for second place. Fellow senior Rochelle Robinson placed fifth with her score of 9.875. Sara Stone of Oklahoma led at gymnasts with a 10.0. Natasha Kelley and Natalie Ratcliff each tied for third with 9.900 scores. The Sooners led both teams with a score of 49.450 to MSU's 48.800.
Robinson led MSU on the bars with her score of 9.800, good enough for a tie in second. Brie Olson of Oklahoma was the top gymnast on the event with a score of 9.850. OU's Hollie Vise finished the event tied with Culer with a 9.800. Oklahoma led MSU on the bars by a score of 48.950 to 47.550.
Curler posted a team-high 9.900 on the beam for second place. Junior Kelsey Morley was second on the team with a fourth-place score on 9.875. Taking the beam crown was Vise from Oklahoma with a score of 9.925. Megan Ferguson was tied for second with Curler as she also recorded a 9.900. OU's 49.200 team score led MSU (48.850) on the event.
The Spartans were led by four gymnasts in fourth-place with scores of 9.800 - sophomore Jackie Berg, Curler, senior Emily Lopatofsky and Morley. Taking the floor crown was Jackie Flanery with a score of 9.950. Kristin Smith followed in second with a 9.900. Vise rounded out the top three with a 9.875. The Sooners posted a score of 49.225 to MSU's 48.925.
Freshman Shanthi Teike followed Curler in the all-around in second with a score of 38.450. Morley rounded out the top-three with a score of 38.350.
The Spartans will return to action Friday, March 12, when they travel to Cal State Fullerton for a 10 p.m. ET meet.
Players Mentioned
