Jan. 8, 2006

Complete Results

Kalamazoo, Mich.- While the University of Illinois at Chicago women's gymnastics team suffered a narrow season-opening setback at Western Michigan on Sunday afternoon, head coaches Peter Jansson and Mary Jansson discovered something even more important than anything found in the win-loss column.

They found some new firepower.

Paced by a team-leading all-around performance by freshman Annie Kachman and a bars win by newcomer Zandre Labuschagne, the Flames put up a valiant road effort to open 2006 in posting a 191.150 team score against the 191.800 of the host Broncos.

After losing a large chunk of their scoring punch from the past few seasons to graduation, including 2005 NCAA South Central Co-Gymnast of the Year Jackie Jaworowicz, UIC brought in seven freshman to help gradually ease the burden left by the departures.

If Sunday is any indication, this year's frosh class will be making an impact right from the start.

Kachman showed no first-meet jitters, posting a second-place all-around tally of 38.250, highlighted by a second-place vault (9.675) and a third-place beam routine (9.700).

Labuschagne, who arrived for her first semester at UIC only a week ago, showed why she is one of UIC's most highly-touted newcomers with a first-place bars score of 9.8. Labuschagne, a 2004 Olympian from South Africa, also tied Kachman for second on vault with a 9.675.

The veteran returnees did not disappoint, either. Junior Jessie Jaworowicz shared a win on beam with a 9.725 and showed well on floor exercise with a 9.575, while fellow junior Rachael Zelinski took second on floor with a team-best 9.8.

Senior Regine Charron took second on bars with a 9.775, sharing second place with fellow senior Veronique Meunier.

Junior Jessica Panos was impressive in her first meet since a mid-season back injury in 2005, posting a 9.625 on vault to take fifth overall.

The Flames started out firing on all cylinders on uneven bars, posting a 48.775 to take the early lead. But Western Michigan responded by posting high scores in the other three events, and a tough team showing on vault for UIC was too much to overcome.

While disappointed with the loss, Peter Jansson saw plenty of great signs from the young team.

"Some great stuff to build on," said Jansson. "We started off really hot on bars. Vaulting we really struggled, but we had three really good vaults from Annie, Zandre and Jess Panos. Overall we had a lot of good stuff out there."

"Great floor routines from Redg, Rachael and Jessie," Jansson continued. "Annie Kachman leading the way in the all-around bodes very well for us."

UIC returns to action against Northern Illinois and Ball State next Sunday in DeKalb, Ill., beginning at 1:00 p.m.