Women gymnasts to battle Bulldogs

Merely halfway through the season, the women's gymnastics team has already had its fair share of trials. Problems with injuries, consistency, and confidence have tested the Wolverines more than they would have anticipated prior to the season.

In what will perhaps be its biggest test of the year, Michigan will head to Athens, Ga. to face the second-ranked Bulldogs. It will be the first meeting in a home-and-home series that will bring the two teams back to Ann Arbor the following weekend.

Georgia is last year's NCAA champion and its average team score of 195.720 is higher than any score the Wolverines have been able to muster this season. In case there is any speculation that Georgia's tear has been all bark and no bite, chew on this.

In their history, the Bulldogs have posted a .9333 winning percentage. That impressive statistic has partly been fed by a perfect 6-0 record against Michigan.

"We never have a patsy schedule," Michigan coach Bev Plocki said. "I believe that you're only as good as the teams you compete against."

If that's true, the Wolverines could be very good heading into this weekend.

Georgia is undefeated in six meets - and fresh from toppling No. 1 Alabama with its season-high team score of 197.300.

In addition, Georgia is home to the nation's best performers on three of the four routines the two teams will be competing in. Only the balance beam keeps the Bulldogs from a clean sweep.

Michigan senior Lisa Simes knows how difficult it will be to perform, not only against Georgia, but in unfamiliar surroundings as well.

"It's a new arena and you don't have your home judges," Simes said. "You have to go in there with an attitude. The results will take care of themselves."

In addition to their attitude, the Wolverines will be taking an impressive statistic with them this weekend. With a team average of 48.967, Michigan clings to the nation's best score on the vault.

If the Wolverines hope to leash the Lady Bulldogs and muzzle the vocal home crowd, they will need every inch of advantage that performance gives them.

02-19-99