March 23, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Women's gymnastics team placed sixth today at the Big Ten Championship, ahead of Penn St. and just behind winner Michigan. Minnesotacame in second followed by Iowa, Ohio State and Michigan State (196.475-195.775-195.550-194.725-194.625-192.825-192.550).
Freshman Ashley Williams performed consistently throughout competition. Williams recorded a 9.800 on vault, beam and the floor exercise. She took sixth place on the uneven bars with 9.825 and earned a bronze medal in the all-around with a total of 39.125. She earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and was named to the All-Conference Team on uneven bars and the all-around.
Junior Amanda Kaufman tied her season high score of 9.800 on vault, which she recorded last weekend at the Illinois State Meet. Junior Jana Gallagher gave a strong performance on beam and the floor with a score of 9.800. Junior Michelle Buranich added to the team's consistency with a 9.725 on the uneven bars and the floor exercise. In her first appearance at the Big Ten Championship, freshman Laura Newcomb scored a 9.725 on the floor exercise.
Coach Bob Starkell was very pleased with the team's performance today. He stated that the scoring in the tournament is much tighter than that of the regular season. "I am proud of the younger girls, and today was a great experience for them. I am very excited for next year."
The Big Ten action can be seen on Fox Sports Chicago on a tape delay basis. The Championship will air on Sunday (Mar. 24) at 3 p.m. and Tuesday (Mar. 26) at noon.
Vault Score: 48.35
Karen Hawley 9.650
Jana Gallagher 9.550
Laura Ruffolo 9.600
Michelle Buranich 9.550
Amanda Kaufman 9.800
Ashley Williams 9.750
Bars Score: 48.05
Jana Gallagher 9.025
Laura Ruffolo 9.650
Michelle Buranich 9.725
Karen Hawley 9.650
Kara Kapernekas 9.200
Ashley Williams 9.825
Beam Score: 47.75
Amanda Kaufman 9.100
Karen Hawley 9.000
Margaret Dann 9.350
Kara Kapernekas 9.700
Ashley Williams 9.800
Jana Gallagher 9.800
Floor Score: 48.725
Amanda Kaufman 9.675
Margaret Dann 9.500
Michelle Buranich 9.725
Lauren Newcomb 9.725
Ashley Williams 9.800
Jana Gallagher 9.800
