Feb. 28, 2005

Annapolis, Md.- The No. 15 UIC men's gymnastics team went through their first Eastern College Athletic Conference test on Saturday night as the Flames placed second in a three-team battle against No. 12 Navy and No. 16 Springfield College at Macdonough Hall.

UIC posted a 205.800, edged just by the Midshipmen's 206.950. The Flames downed Springfield, who turned in a 195.850.

The Flames were led by Kieth Kerrigan, who won the parallel bars event with an 8.550. Right behind him in the event rankings was Eric Novick, who posted an 8.5.

Andy Battad had his best meet as a Flame by sharing first place on pommel horse with a career-best 8.9.

Senior Neil Faustino led the Flames in the all-around with a 51.400, backed by his team-leading vault of 8.850 that earned him third place on the event.

Sophomore Tim Morrison placed second on high bar with an 8.75.

Freshman Jeff White continued to vault well in only the second meet of his career, as the Lilburn, Georgia native earned an 8.5 for his vault on Saturday night.

UIC returns to action this Sunday at the Sun Devil Invitational, hosted by Arizona State, at 2 p.m. in Tempe, Arizona.