Jan. 4, 2009
Complete Results
CHICAGO- It took the UIC women's gymnastics team eight meets to earn a team score over a 193.0 last season.
It didn't take the Flames long to hit that mark this year.
Balanced scoring across the board, highlighted by freshman Andrea Skala's team-leading all-around performance, helped UIC attain its best-ever score to start a campaign in the modern era as the Flames posted a 193.85 against sturdy Southeastern Conference side Auburn in the season opener for both teams at the Physical Education Building on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers won the meet with a 196.375, but the Flames came away with high hopes after posting the program's best season-opening mark under current scoring rules and the top score in a home opener in two years.
Skala led UIC with a 39.0 in the all-around to place third overall in her collegiate debut. The rookie from Brookfield scored a 9.7 or better in every event.
Senior Annie Kachman registered a 38.825 in the all-around, highlighted by a second-place finish on uneven bars with a 9.825.
Two more seniors also chipped in team-best scores, as Ashley Thurston led UIC on vault with a third-place 9.825 while Zandre Labuschagne took third on beam with a squad-best 9.875.
Sophomore Sarah Murray wrapped up the meet on floor exercise with a splendid routine that garnered a team-high 9.8, good for fourth place.
UIC heads to Raleigh, N.C. next weekend to face North Carolina State on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Central. Following a Midwest Independent Conference confrontation with SEMO on Jan. 17, the Flames return home on Saturday, Jan. 24 to host Ohio State at 5 p.m. Central.
