Jan. 12, 2007

Cape Girardeau, Mo.- The UIC women's gymnastics team begins the 2007 season this Saturday against Midwest Independent Conference foes Southeast Missouri State and Centenary at the Redhawks' Houck Fieldhouse at 7:00 p.m.

UIC enters this season with high hopes. With seven Midwest Independent titles in the last nine years and six NCAA Regional trips in the last eight seasons, the Flames will seek to get off to a quick start to another successful run with a strong road showing against two league rivals.

Returning to guide the Flames are a trio of seniors. Jessie Jaworowicz, Rachael Zelinski and Jessica Panos bring their scoring punch and leadership to a team with a youthful yet experienced core of athletes. Jaworowicz has matured into an all-around talent after beginning her career as a beam specialist, while Zelinski remains one of the team's top beam and floor performers. Panos has persevered through major injuries early in her career to become a valuable vaulter and floor exercise performer.

The Flames feature a deep sophomore group. High-scoring all-arounders Annie Kachman and Zandre Labuschagne lead the group, while vital specialists such as Beth Kliver, Kristen Kulinczenko, Sarah Jane Mayhan and Ashley Thurston return with a year of extensive experience under their belts.

Beginning their UIC careers this year are rookies Christine Girard, Justine Jaworowicz and Justine Weyer and redshirt freshman Tristan Erlenbaugh.