Alabama Gymnastics Beats Iowa State, 195.975-193.750
1/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
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TUSCALOOSA, ALA --- This was more like it.
After a shaky start last week, the No. 16 ranked Alabama gymnastics team beat No. 9 Iowa State 195.975-193.750 in front of 9,885 fans here in Coleman Coliseum tonight. It was the 2005 Crimson Tide's home debut.
The night was also marked by another debut. It was one routine, but it got one of the biggest cheers of the night, as Alabama freshman Terin Humphrey made her Alabama and Coleman Coliseum debut. The two-time Olympic Silver medalist won the uneven bars with a score of 9.9 with a routine she made look easy.
"It was so much fun," Humphrey said. "I didn't expect this at all. The crowd was great; they were so loud. It made me want to be just as loud. It is just so much fun out there competing."
While Humphrey went on just one event, three of her teammates went in the all-around, including junior Ashley Miles, who won her second consecutive all-around title with a 39. Iowa State's Janet Anson was second with a 39.175, followed by Tide junior Dana Filetti, 39.150 and senior Shannon Hrozek at 39.05.
"I thought tonight we were much better than last week," Patterson said. "It was a great step forward for us. I still think we have a long way to go, but obviously I am excited by this improvement."
"Next week is going to come down to the last two competitors. It is going to be a very close meet."
Alabama closed out the night with a 49.375 on the floor exercise paced by a huge 9.95 routine from Miles that received a the night's loudest cheers and a 9.9 from senior Alexis Brion. Hrozek and junior Mari Bayer both scored 9.85 on the floor while sophomore Erin Rightley started the event off with a career best 9.825. Iowa State came away with a 49.125 on the floor exercise.
On the balance beam, the Tide posted a 48.450 led by a 9.725 from junior Dana Filetti and a 9.7 lead off from junior Rachael Delahoussaye. ISU posted a 48.725 on the balance beam.
Humphrey has only been back in the gym training since December 27 after a fall spent on the T.J. Maxx Olympic Tour doing what Patterson termed 'show gymnastics'. The coaching staff will introduce her into the other events as she regains her competitive form.
Alabama shook off its uneven bars woes of a week ago, posting a solid 49.200 behind Humphrey's 9.9 and 9.85s from Filetti and Miles. Bayer chipped in a 9.825 while Brion started the Tide off with a 9.775. Iowa State posted a 47.725 on the uneven bars, having to count two falls in their total.
Alabama posted a 48.950 on the vault to open the meet behind Brion's 9.85 and Miles meet best 9.925. Hrozek and Filetti both chipped in 9.775s to the Tide's total. The Cyclones posted a 48.175 on the vault.
The Tide returns to action next Friday, hosting the LSU Tigers in Coleman Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262) or online at www.rolltide.com.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Kent Gidley
Senior Alexis Brion on the Floor Exercise.
Junior Dana Filetti and Coach Sarah Patterson watch the action.
Junior Dana Filetti on the uneven bars.
Junior Dana Filetti on the floor exercise.
Junior Dana Filetti on the floor exercise.
Junior Ashley Miles on the vault.
Junior Ashley Miles on the uneven bars.
Junior Ashley Miles on the floor exercise.
Junior Ashley Miles on the balance beam.
Ashley Miles confers with the coaching staff.
Coach Sarah Patterson likes what she sees from her team tonight.
Sophomore Erin Rightley on the floor exercise.
