March 6, 2005

Tempe, Ariz.- Led by senior Neil Faustino's three first-place finishes, the UIC men's gymnastics team took claim to the 2005 Southwest Cup on Sunday at Arizona State's PE West Gym.

The Flames posted a 207.825 to down the host Sun Devils (202.600), Air Force (194.225) and Washington (191.725).

Faustino placed first in the all-around with a 53.250 while winning the still rings and vault events. The senior captain turned in a 9.6 on rings and a season-high 9.6 on vault.

Eric Novick also finished in the top three of the all-around rankings, posting a 50.400.

Junior Nick Stavros won the pommel horse event with a season-best 9.050.

Junior Andrew Krueger turned in a nice finish on floor exercise with a second-place score of 9.175.

Freshman Jeff White continues to improve meet-to-meet after starting his rookie campaign just a few weeks ago, and his performance on Sunday was another strong showing. White placed sixth on rings with an 8.750 and turned in a tenth-place score of 8.9 on vault.

The Flames turned in season-best team scores on floor exercise (35.400), still rings (36.775) and vault (36.575).

UIC is back in action this Saturday when they take on No. 2 Illinois at Huff Hall in Champaign, Ill., beginning at 2 p.m.