Missouri gymnastics to take on New Hampshire this weekend
Missouri’s aspirations for a perfect season came to an abrupt halt on the road last Saturday against Big 12 conference rival Nebraska. The now-No. 14 Tigers lost 194.700-193.175, though victorious Nebraska’s ranking dropped from No. 9 to No. 10.
Tiger senior Sarah Shire was a bright spot despite the season’s first defeat. Shire, for the second straight week, won the all-around title, posting a 38.875. Shire also won her fourth balance beam title of year and holds the nation’s second highest average (9.881) in the event, according to Gymninfo.
Missouri’s first chance to rebound from the loss occurs this Saturday at home against undefeated New Hampshire.
The 7-0 Wildcats came from behind and bested Pittsburgh 194.950-191.675 on Jan. 30 to remain perfect. Despite its record, New Hampshire currently sits just outside the national top 25, hovering at No. 27.
New Hampshire’s success this season comes from the performances of seasoned veterans. During the meet against Pittsburgh, New Hampshire’s upperclassmen came through in the clutch with senior Helena Diodati winning uneven bars (9.825), senior Julie Sauchuk tying on floor exercise (9.825) and junior Chelsea Steinberg and senior Taryn LaFountain tying on beam (9.875) to propel the Wildcats to victory.
Also noteworthy for Saturday’s meet is that the Tigers will share the Hearnes Center with MU’s wrestling team as they simultaneously take on Oklahoma in the Beauty and the Beast Meet.