Sports Blog — February 5, 2010
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.
Missouri tennis team welcomes two opponents this weekend
After splitting its season-opening double header two weekends ago, the MU women’s tennis team will take the court twice this weekend at home.
On Saturday, the Tigers take on the Billikens of Saint Louis University (2-2). After opening up the season with two losses against tough opponents, Saint Louis bounced back with two 7-0 wins against McKendree University and Southeast Missouri State. The Billikens will host Eastern Illinois Friday before heading out on I-70 for Missouri.
The Tigers will cap off the weekend on Sunday when Purdue (4-0) pay a visit to the Green Tennis Center. Against non-conference opponents, the Boilermakers have enjoyed an extremely strong start to the season with four consecutive 7-0 wins. Meanwhile, Missouri was shutout 7-0 by its first Big Ten opponent of the season, Ohio State. Purdue opens its Big Ten schedule against Penn State at home Friday before traveling down to Columbia for Sunday afternoon’s contest.
