Feb. 29, 2004

Kalamazoo, Mich.- The University of Illinois at Chicago women's gymnastics team seems to be peaking at just the right time.

After a slow start, the Flames have won four of their last five dual contests, including a 195.725-193.875 victory over Western Michigan at University Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The Flames' overall score of 195.725 marked a season-high tally for UIC (4-9). UIC also set season-highs on the vault (49.250), the uneven bars (49.000) and the beam (48.6).

UIC received spectacular performances from its all-arounders. Alyson Cacciatore won the overall title with a 39.275, followed by teammates Veronique Meunier and Jennifer O'Neil, who posted season-highs of 39.225 and 39.100, respectively.

Cacciatore took first place on the vault with a 9.9, tying her season-high, while placing third on the bars with a 9.8. Cacciatore also tied for second on the floor with a 9.875.

Meunier took the uneven bars title withj a 9.850, tying her season-best in the event in the process. O'Neil followed in second with a 9.825, a 2004 best for the junior.

Jessie Jaworowicz chipped in with a team-leading 9.775 on the balance beam, taking third place.

Western Michigan's highlight of the day came on the floor, where sophomore Cherisse Marier earned a perfect 10 from the first judge in the event. The second judge awarded a 9.95, giving her a first-place score of 9.975.

The Flames retrun to action on Friday, March 5th when they travel to Seattle, Wash., for a three-team battle against host Washington, Utah, and Iowa at 9 p.m.