Jan. 20, 2003

Chicago, Ill. - By virtue of Sunday's large score turned in by the UIC women's gymnastics team, the Flames are ranked 19th in the nation, along with Iowa.

Although the Flames are winless, their score of 195.075 has vaulted them into the elite of college gymnastics. UIC has been defeated by then #13 Auburn, Cal State Fullerton and Utah State.

Individually, a pair of newcomers are making waves. Newcomer Jackie Jaworowicz is now third in the nation on floor, following her school record-tying performance of 9.95 on Sunday versus Auburn.

Freshman Veronique Meunier is ranked eighth in the nation on vault after she turned in a school record of 9.925 versus the Tigers on Sunday.

Atlin Mitchell is 13th in the country after a floor routine of 9.925 against Auburn.

The Flames will put their ranking to the test, and look for their first win on Saturday against Western Michigan at 7:00 p.m. at the UIC Physical Education Building.

National Ranking By Team Total

UCLA 198.275

Georgia 197.325

Arizona State 197.300

Alabama 197.050

Utah 196.800

Nebraska 196.700

Florida 196.575

Denver 196.475

Michigan 196.100

Stanford 196.050

Iowa State 196.000

Oklahoma 195.950

Oregon State 195.825

LSU 195.825

Auburn 195.775

Arizona 195.775

Minnesota 195.525

Pittsburgh 195.400

UIC 195.075

Iowa 195.075

Illinois 194.925

Kent State 194.850

Penn State 194.375

Kentucky 194.125

Missouri 194.100