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TWU
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TWU WINS EIGHTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
ITHACA , N.Y. – After finishing second the past two years, Texas Woman’s University took advantage of a golden opportunity to claim the 2006 USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championship. The Pioneers won its eighth National title and the first since 2003.
TWU posted a 192.425 followed by UC Davis (191.025), Cornell (190.600) and William & Mary (190.550).
“Our experience came into play. With seven national championships in the program it makes the athletes believe in the system. They bought in since day one. Even if we didn’t get first we would still be winners,” head coach Frank Kudlac said. “We had a tremendous finish on beam. We knew we had to hit. We counted a fall but after yesterday it shows the fight and heart of this team.”
TWU entered the final rotation trailing UC Davis by 1.2 points, 144.450-145.650. The Aggies collapsed on the uneven bars with three falls for a 45.375 score. TWU took advantage of the opening with a 47.975 on the balance beam to move into first place.
The Pioneers were in second place after the first three events. The Aggies started the meet with 48.525 tallies on both the balance beam and floor exercise and a 48.600 on vault to jump out to the early lead.
TWU stayed in contention by posting a 48.375 on floor to begin the meet. Nicole Poling led the way with a score of 9.725.
Next was vault, Brittany Parker hit for a 9.800 which tied for the meet-high score. Brisa Fuentes and Poling each added a 9.650 for a 48.150 team total.
The Pioneers moved to the bars and put together five solid routines for a meet-best 47.925 on the event. Bethany Rehm paced the squad with a 9.775 which was the meet’s top score.
“It was a total team effort. Everyone had everyone’s back and that is what it takes to win a national title,” Kudlac added. “It’s nice to get off number seven because the title is not a given. Rutgers didn’t even make it to the finals after winning last year. That shows how hard it is to just make the finals. With the parity it is getting tougher and tougher.”
The Championships conclude tomorrow with the individual finals at 2:00 p.m. Seven Pioneers are competing including Nakia Westbrook and Parker on vault, Courtney Arno on beam, Poling on floor and the trio of Rehm, Amber McMeans and Fuentes on bars.
The Pioneers are returning to Texas on Sunday. The team lands at the DFW airport at 3:51 p.m. and arrives in Denton at 5:00 p.m. They will be on campus in the parking lot by the tennis courts just east of Pioneer Hall.
“I am proud of the program and hope TWU and Denton will be equally as proud,” Kudlac stated. “What a way for the seniors to go out, after a first and two second place finishes in their careers. I told them it was a magic carpet ride.”
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