March 9, 2001

Box Score

Chicago, Ill. - Women's Gymnastics coach Peter Jansson can't recall a time he's been happier following a loss.

UIC, after all, had just been edged 195.475-195.400 by Ball State at the Physical Education Building on Friday. Illinois State finished in third-place with 193.775 points.

The Flames, however, fell just short of a season-high team score by .25 of a point. Jansson believes what makes this feat outstanding is the Flames accomplished this with only eight gymnasts.

"I could not be prouder of these eight kids," Jansson said. "What they have done and what they continue to do is unbelievable."

UIC (11-6) received first-place performances from juniors Amy August and Nadia Ori. August tied a career-high on the vault (9.8) while Ori's career-tying performance of 9.85 matched Ball State's Jenny Gant. Gant entered Friday's meet as the 11th-ranked floor exercise performer in the nation.

Senior Cheryl Rubinger and freshman Atlin Mitchell tied for second overall on the balance beam as both recorded career-highs on the uneven bars with a 9.9. Rubinger also tied with August for third-place on the balance beam with a 9.850.

UIC will be back in action as they will host the 2001 Illinois Classic on Friday, March 16th at the Physical Education Building at 7 PM.