'M' routs Beavers at home

By Chris Burke

Daily Sports Writer

This weekend in its first home meet of the year, the No. 3 Michigan women's gymnastics team had an opportunity to display its potent mix of new faces and experienced leaders.

The Wolverines did not disappoint.

Paced by seniors Karina Senior and Bridget Knaeble and freshman Calli Ryals, the Wolverines downed No. 12 Oregon State 194.075-190.925 in front of 1,061 fans at Cliff Keen Arena on Friday night.

"This is a starting point," Michigan coach Bev Plocki said. "We will continue to build on it, and try and work out the kinks. I feel good about it, though."

Senior led Michigan with an all-around score of 39.125, good enough to take first place individually. She was followed closely by Ryals and Knaeble, who finished second and third, respectively, with scores of 39.000 and 37.825.

"Winning the first home meet is motivational for the whole season," said Senior. "It's important, not only for the team, but for the fans."

After strong showings on the vault and bars, Michigan ran into trouble on the beam. Two falls had to be counted against the team's top five scores. But junior Shannon MacKenzie finished the event strong for the Wolverines, posting a 9.750. The score was good enough to extend the Wolverines' tenuous lead at the time, and also gave Michigan some needed confidence heading into the night's final rotation.

"It's important for the person after someone falls to do well," MacKenzie said. "It's just important to come through for the team."

Oregon State hung with Michigan through the first two rotations, but two injuries severely hampered the Beavers' cause. The second injury, sustained by sophomore Tanya Ricioli on the floor, effectively ended the Beavers' hope of winning the match.

"Anytime you see a peer go down, it makes you count your blessings," Plocki said. "It's terrible, and it definitely has an effect."

Michigan finished the evening on the floor and put together its best rotation of the evening, tallying a 49.275. With the score, the Wolverines were more than able to finish off the Beavers. Ryals, in her home debut, led the way with a 9.900 - good for second place.

"It was a little nerve-wracking but it went well," Ryals said of competing in her first home meet. "We all tried to stay positive, and just get everyone hyped up and ready to go."