Issued: February 7, 2003

GYMNASTS TAKE SECOND AT GERSHON/McLELLAN INVITE

LA CROSSE - The UW-Eau Claire gymnastics team took second in a battle of five Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference teams in the 22nd Annual Gershon/McLellan Invitational held here today Mitchell Hall.

Alison Eagles (So.-Shoreview, MN/Mounds View) took home the only first place finish for the Blugolds when she scored a 9.100 in the vault.

Lynn Morris (Fr.-Monticell, IN/Twin Lakes) also put forth a strong performance as she equaled her own school-record of a 9.075 on the uneven bars. Morris's effort was good enough for a second place finish in the event.

Kristina Reitzel (Jr.-Oakdale, MN/Hill-Murray) was the top Blugold finisher on the balance beam as she finished fifth with a score of 8.900. Adria Walin (So.-Rochester, MN/Mayo) had the highest finish in the floor exercise for Eau Claire as she posted a score of 9.125.

The only team to finish ahead of the Blugolds was the three-time defending national champions UW-La Crosse who finished with a total score of 177.250. Eau Claire was next at 174.325 followed by UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stout and UW-Whitewater.

The Blugolds will travel to Oshkosh Friday to take on the Titans in a dual meet. The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.