University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Score 193.925 in Season Opener
1/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
The Gophers competed on uneven bars in the first rotation, earning a team score of 48.775, making bars the highest-scoring event for Minnesota today. Ohio State competed on vault in the opening rotation, earning a 48.725, giving the Gophers a .05 advantage after the first rotation. For Minnesota, senior captain Kristin Furukawa tied for first place, earning a 9.80. Four Gophers earned scores of 9.75 to tie for fourth place: Janell Campbell, Kendra Elm, Yuri Nagai, and Kayla Slechta.
In the second rotation, Minnesota tallied a 48.275 on vault. The Gophers were led by freshman Kayla Slechta who won the event with a 9.825 in her collegiate debut. Senior Kendra Elm was the second-highest scorer for Minnesota with a 9.70. The Buckeyes scored a 48.70 on uneven bars in the second rotation, bringing the running totals to 97.425 to 97.05 in favor of Ohio State.
On floor exercise, the Gophers compiled a team scores of 48.625. Freshman Dusti Russell was the team’s top scorer, earning a 9.775 to place fourth overall. Sophomores Shannon Golich and Janell Campbell were the second-highest scorers for Minnesota, each earning a 9.75. Ohio State tallied a 48.75 on beam, giving the Buckeyes a half point lead going into the last rotation at 146.175 to 145.675.
In the final rotation, the Gophers earned a 48.25 on balance beam. As on floor, freshman Dusti Russell was the top scorer for Minnesota. Russell earned a 9.825 in her first competition, good for second place. Freshman Alex Feeken was the second-highest scorer for Minnesota with a 9.725 to place fifth overall. Ohio State earned a 48.30 on floor in the last rotation, its lowest event score of the night, but it was enough to seal the win at 194.475-193.925.
Dusti Russell was the lone all around competitor for Minnesota. She compiled a 38.85 in her debut, placing second.
Next weekend, Minnesota returns home to the friendly confines of the Sports Pavilion to take on Iowa. The meet will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15.
Players Mentioned
