Sunday, February 28
Muncie
3 p.m.
Ball State University
194.225
vs
194.300
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Western Michigan
Photo by: Ball State University
Gritty Cards Celebrate Seniors In Home Finale
February 28, 2021 | Gymnastics
MUNCIE - Final home meets are always emotional, the last time a group of seniors will compete on its home competition floor. The celebration for seniors Arden Hudson, Bri Slonim and Claudia Goyco was one to remember. As for the day's actual competition, Sunday's meet vs. Western Michigan led for some lessons that the Cards can use as they reach the most important part of the season.
Ball State outscored WMU in three events but had to count two falls on beam, which was the difference in the meet scoring. As things didn't go as planned on the balance beam, head coach Joanna Saleem enjoyed how the team responded to that adversity and delivered a 49.150 mark on floor to finish the meet.
"They didn't give up or quit. It's a good lesson to learn, to stay in it to the very end," Saleem said. "The next couple meets are going to be challenging and we just need to stay focused and do the things we've been doing."
Western Michigan won the team head-to-head scoring by a fraction of the point. WMU left Muncie with a 194.300 and BSU added a 194.225 score to its season resumè. It was Ball State's first time this season not outscoring its opponent - the Cardinals now have a dual scoring record of 12-1.
Grace Evans was the day's high scorer on bars with a 9.850 and Hudson and Marissa Nychyk scored 9.825 to lead Ball State on beam.Â
Slonim scored a 9.800 and was the top competitor on vault. But it was actually an exhibition routine where Slonim had her best moment. She landed her bars routine, which set off an exciting celebration with her teammates.
"It's awesome to have event winners on three events and we were excited for Bri to win vault on Senior Day," Saleem said. "Watching her do that bar routine was awesome. She's worked so hard. She's never competed on bars here in her five years and for her to get up there and do that routine was a boost for the team. Everyone was excited for her to do that."
Saleem credited Hudson and Goyco for their resilience and dedication while battling through recent minor injuries.Â
"It's good for the seniors to come out of here feeling good in their last home meet," Saleem said. "We're excited about it, and love that the team is behind them so they have a positive experience."
Saleem also mentioned the strong all-around showing for Marissa Nychyk, who was second among five all-arounders in the meet with a 39.100 score. She was 9.725 or better on all four events, tied for the win on beam and delivered a 9.800 score on floor.Â
The Cardinals have two road meets left on the regular season schedule, at Kent State Sunday, March 7 and then a trip to Central Michigan on March 13.
Ball State outscored WMU in three events but had to count two falls on beam, which was the difference in the meet scoring. As things didn't go as planned on the balance beam, head coach Joanna Saleem enjoyed how the team responded to that adversity and delivered a 49.150 mark on floor to finish the meet.
"They didn't give up or quit. It's a good lesson to learn, to stay in it to the very end," Saleem said. "The next couple meets are going to be challenging and we just need to stay focused and do the things we've been doing."
Western Michigan won the team head-to-head scoring by a fraction of the point. WMU left Muncie with a 194.300 and BSU added a 194.225 score to its season resumè. It was Ball State's first time this season not outscoring its opponent - the Cardinals now have a dual scoring record of 12-1.
Grace Evans was the day's high scorer on bars with a 9.850 and Hudson and Marissa Nychyk scored 9.825 to lead Ball State on beam.Â
Slonim scored a 9.800 and was the top competitor on vault. But it was actually an exhibition routine where Slonim had her best moment. She landed her bars routine, which set off an exciting celebration with her teammates.
"It's awesome to have event winners on three events and we were excited for Bri to win vault on Senior Day," Saleem said. "Watching her do that bar routine was awesome. She's worked so hard. She's never competed on bars here in her five years and for her to get up there and do that routine was a boost for the team. Everyone was excited for her to do that."
Saleem credited Hudson and Goyco for their resilience and dedication while battling through recent minor injuries.Â
"It's good for the seniors to come out of here feeling good in their last home meet," Saleem said. "We're excited about it, and love that the team is behind them so they have a positive experience."
Saleem also mentioned the strong all-around showing for Marissa Nychyk, who was second among five all-arounders in the meet with a 39.100 score. She was 9.725 or better on all four events, tied for the win on beam and delivered a 9.800 score on floor.Â
The Cardinals have two road meets left on the regular season schedule, at Kent State Sunday, March 7 and then a trip to Central Michigan on March 13.
Players Mentioned
AA
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ GymnasticsBall State Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell discusses the NCAA vs. House Settlement
Tuesday, July 01
Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell discusses NCAA vs. House Settlement & Bill Richards Thank You
Friday, June 27
Sports Link: Delaney McMahon (Gymnastics)
Friday, May 02
Athletics // Podcast: Jeff Mitchell, Ashley Szymanski, Jeff Carrigan, and Dr. Brobst
Thursday, April 10