Ball State University
Towson University
The Cardinals Show Individual Success in D.C.
February 05, 2017 | Gymnastics
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The Ball State gymnastics team suffered a fourth place finish (194.175) against eastern rivals George Washington (196.400), New Hampshire (196.075) and Towson (194.950) Sunday in the Nation's Capital.
"The team faced a lot of adversity this meet," head coach Joanna Saleem said. "We held together after some setbacks and had some positive individual successes. Bri Slonim did really well on vault after having a tough warm-up, and Baylee Bell had a really great performance on beam."
The Cardinals started on floor where Shelby Arms and Sarah Ebeyer led the team with 9.800 and 9.825 showings.
On vault Bri Slonim landed in fourth place with a career high score of 9.850. Ebeyer followed in sixth place with a 9.825.
On bars, Jordyn Penny scored a 9.825 claiming third place. Jillian Hacker and Kayla Beckler tied for sixth place with scores of 9.800, for Hacker this notes a personal best performance.
Going into the final event the Cardinals fought Towson for third place with a tied team score of 146.425. Junior, Baylee Bell stuck her dismount landing her in first place with a score of 9.875 and earning her a new career high.Â
"The team had determination all the way through to the last routine," Saleem stated. "It is always difficult when you have injuries that happen and we have to make last minute lineup changes. I'm excited that they were able to do as well as they did, but they have to be able to adapt when faced with unforeseeable circumstances."
The team returns to Worthen Arena to take on Mid-American Conference opponent Central Michigan Sunday, Feb. 12 at 1:00 p.m. EST.Â
For more news on Ball State gymnastics, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateGym, and @CoachSaleem on Twitter.
Players Mentioned
