KENT, Ohio - The Ball State University gymnastics team (1-12) ended its 2008 season with a sixth place showing at the Mid-American Conference Championship Saturday afternoon.
BSU defeated Bowling Green 192.100 to 192.025. Host Kent State won the MAC Championship with a score of 195.675. Eastern Michigan came in second with a 193.800 followed by Central Michigan (193.675), Northern Illinois (193.375) and Western Michigan (192.500).
Senior Erica Gilkerson (North Branch, Minn./North Branch) in her last showing as a Cardinal managed to lead the team on vault with a 9.725 performance. Gilkerson tied with teammate's sophomore Laura Shockey (Bedford, Texas/Trinity) and senior Kristin Sprague (Fairfield, Ohio/Fairfield) on floor with a 9.675.
Senior Brittany George (Orlando, Fla./William R. Boone) recorded a 9.700 on beam. Other high scorers for the Cardinals were freshman Katelyn Busacker (Lavista, NE/Papillion-Lavista) with a 9.600 and Gilkerson with a 9.625.
On bars sophomore Bibiana Rodriguez (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Academic Maria Reina) shined with a top team score of 9.700. Rodriguez finished eighth at the MAC's which was the highest placing on all the events for the Cardinals.
The Ball State University gymnastics team will be the host of the 2009 MAC Championship next March at Worthen Arena in Muncie, Ind.
