Women gymnasts vie for state supremacy

By Sara Rontal
Daily Sports Writer

Say Yes, Michigan! - the state, that is.

That's what the fans will be thinking as they watch Michigan's women gymnasts compete in the State of Michigan Classic on Sunday in Ypsilanti.

The meet, which also features Eastern Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan and Central Michigan, showcases some of the state's best talent.

So what does that mean for the Wolverine gymnasts?

Say Yes, Michigan! - the Wolverines, that is.

The Wolverines, who are currently ranked 10th in the nation, lead the state competition in almost every category, including the uneven bars, where they are also ranked 10th.

Although Michigan is enjoying its place coming into the meet, Michigan coach Bev Plocki said the team cannot let itself be fooled by the competition.

"Michigan State is a legitimate team," Plocki said. "Last weekend, there was only a 1/10 of a point difference in our two scores."

Against Louisiana on Jan. 18, Spartans Polly Kiker and Briony Lecky tied for first on the uneven bars with a 9.850.

That score puts both gymnasts ahead of Michigan freshman Sarah Cain, the Wolverines' leader on the uneven bars, whose career-best score of 9.825 came just last weekend.

In the floor exercise - hardly the Wolverines' strongest event - it is Michigan that has the edge on Michigan State.

"We were training well this week," Plocki said. "But I don't know if we can improve the floor routine. This week we need more polish on the performance and dance."

This could prove troublesome when competing against Eastern Michigan, which is ranked 19th in the nation in the floor routine - one place ahead of the Wolverines.

But there is some good news.

After two poor showings on the floor in their first two meets of the season, the Wolverines scored 49.300 against Massachusetts, the fifth-best score in school history.

Last weekend also saw Central and Eastern Michigan competing head-to-head, with the underdog Chippewas emerging victorious.

But Plocki is not letting the talk of other teams interfere with the practices she is leading.

"The regular season has no determination on the Big Ten championship," Plocki said. "We go in there fresh, and whatever happens, happens."

And after all, the Wolverines do have Cain.

Last weekend, she captured her second consecutive all-around title with a 39.475 total, winning both the vault and the floor exercise.

The Wolverines are again counting on her to come through with another strong showing on the floor, particularly because of an injury to senior captain Andrea McDonald. McDonald has been slowed by back troubles since the beginning of the season.

"We are hoping that she can compete this weekend," Plocki said. "We probably won't make the final decision until Thursday or Friday.

"She'll probably compete on the balance beam and the vault."

If the Wolverines do well at the meet, they will put themselves in good position when they face Big Ten foe Ohio State on Feb. 6.

But with all the good statewide teams competing, it's anybody's game.

No wonder the fans are confused about who to cheer for.

01-31-97

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