April 9, 2005
LINCOLN, NEB - Faced with the difficult task of competing against some of the toughest teams in women's collegiate gymnastics, head coach Bob Starkell and his Fighting Illini gymnastics team gave their best, but were unable to advance any gymnasts to the NCAA Championships, finishing sixth in the seven-team South Central Regional Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.
Michigan placed first to advance their team to nationals with a score of 196.600. Meet-host Nebraska followed at 196.300. Missouri was third (195.100), followed by Arizona (194.700), Arizona State (194.500) and the Illini rounded out the field with a total of 193.825.
Despite the loss, Starkell was pleased with the composure shown by his gymnastics and the tenacity they displayed when faced with early adversity.
"We had made some costly mistakes, but I am pleased how the team was able to fight back and maintain a good position," Starkell said. "I originally thought that we were pretty overmatched drawing such a tough region, but the team really hung in throughout the meet."
Sophomore Cara Pomeroy looked to advance to the national stage again this season after enjoying a rookie campaign that included a Regional bars title and a trip to the NCAA Championships. However, after leading for the majority of the meet with a score of 9.900 on the event, the Ottawa, Ontario native was nipped in the last rotation by both Lauren Mirkovich and Elise Ray of Michigan, who notched scores of 9.925 to win the Regional bar crown and advance to nationals.
"Cara really preformed well, and it's heartbreaking that she missed nationals by such a small amount, Starkell commented. "She had the lead up until the last rotation, but Lauren (Mirkovich) and Elise (Ray) were able to catch her right at the end."
Senior Lauren Newcomb finished out her career in Orange and Blue on a high note, hitting on all four events and placing 11th in the all-around with a score of 38.550.
The trip would also produce more hardware for the Illinois women's gymnastics coaching staff as Starkell was named the South Central Regional Coach of the Year and assistant coach Kim Mazza was also named the South Central Regional Assistant Coach of the Year. The accomplishments of the Illini coaching staff have been recognized as Starkell takes home his second honor this season after being named Big Ten Coach of the Year March 26.
2005 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships
Hosted by the University of Nebraska
Team Results
Michigan 196.600
Nebraska 196.300
Missouri 195.100
Arizona 194.700
Arizona State 194.500
Illinois 193.825
