Cardinals Claim Second in Raleigh

RALEIGH, NC. -- The Ball State gymnastics team improved its team total by about three points from last weekends quad meet at George Washington en route to a second place finish against NC State and William and Mary Saturday afternoon. NC State won the competition with a 196.350, the Cardinals trailed with a 194.750 and William and Mary scored a 193.300.

"We definitely preformed better tonight than we did at George Washington last week," head coach Joanna Saleem said. "We went into the gym and focused on where we are going instead of our past mistakes and I think that really showed in our performances today."

The Ball State Cardinals started on the beam where the team scored an overall score of 48.550, which marks the highest total this season. Senior, Baylee Bell led the beam team with a score of 9.850 placing third. Vicky Garcia followed with a 9.775 in fourth.

On floor Tia Kiaku and Sydney Finke tied with scores of 9.800 landing the duo in fifth place. Menzione followed with a score of 9.775 in eighth.

Maddie Macdonald flipped her way into third place on vault with a score of 9.800. Arden Hudson and Finke tied for sixth with scores of 9.775.

On the final event Senior Jordyn Penny placed third with a score of 9.800. Jillian Hacker stood sixth with a 9.775.

Kaitlyn Menzione took fifth in the all-around competition with a score of 38.775.

"We have been on the road three weekends in a row against some really tough competition and in front of some really big crowds," Saleem stated "I think we are prepared to compete at home this weekend and I know the team is excited to be in front of our home crowd to do some great gymnastics."

The Cardinals open their home competition in Worthen Arena Sunday, Jan 28 at 1 p.m. EST against Mid-American Conference opponent Kent State. For every student in attendance Team Ball State sponsor Pepsi will donate $1.00 to Ball State Dance Marathon. Fans will also have the opportunity to win an American Girl doll but must be present to enter.

For more news on Ball State Gymnastics, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateGym, and @CoachSaleem.

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Players Mentioned

Baylee Bell

Sydney Finke

Vicky Garcia

Jillian Hacker

Arden Hudson

Tia Kiaku

Maddie MacDonald

Kaitlyn Menzione

Jordyn Penny