The Massachusetts Women’s Gymnastics Team struggled to hold its balance as the team fell to several Mid-Western teams over winter session. Coming from a third place finish in the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship last March, UMass started the season off with two meets in Michigan after the New Year.
Western Michigan State University was the first to host the Minutewomen on January 14th in their quest to be a strong force among the A-10 Conference. The WMSU Broncos brought Illinois-Chicago and Eastern Michigan along with UMass to their territory. The host Broncos were able to pull a first place finish in Kalamazoo with a score of 193.100. Illinois-Chicago came just behind, leaving the day in second place at 191.025. In third was the Maroon and White, back almost four points with a final score at 189.600. Eastern Michigan came following at fourth, scoring 189.400 on the day.
Second year gymnast Katie Teft, a native of Michigan, gave a strong performance on the balance beam. Teft’s first place finish earned a 9.85 for the Minutewomen. Also on the beam was fellow team veteran Tracey Chew, who came in seventh at 9.70. Chew also competed in the uneven bars, placing highest among the Massachusetts team. Her presentation earned a score of 9.55, putting her in twelfth place for that event.
Sophomore Jen Gendron debuted on the floor exercise with an exhibition earning her a solid score of 9.7. Gendron’s tie for fourth helped advance the Minutewomen on the day.
Just a week later the Minutewomen were back in the Auto State to compete against Michigan State. The Spartans were a tough match and out scored Massachusetts 192.750 – 185.650. Gendron was the leading force on the day as UMass’ highest finisher, coming in second in the all-around at 37.575. Behind her was senior Jobi Dan’Sy with a 37.373 in third place. The loss to MSU cost UMass to drop to 1-3 overall.
After two weekends in Michigan, the Minutewomen were a little disappointed to come back to Amherst under .500. Expectations were marked high for the team as they headed west. The week that the gymnasts were able to have together did help to strengthen the team for the future season. Head Coach Dave Kuzara told the Collegian that fans can look forward to seeing this bonding time and the opening meets as a payoff against strong A10 teams, such as West Virginia.
‘We’re a pretty young team. We had to pull together the first couple meets. I think you’ll see that we’ll have a totally different look soon,’ said Coach Kuzara.
Teft, one of the top gymnasts on the Massachusetts team and in the A-10, was injured during the first meet at WMSU. Teft suffered an ankle sprain during the floor exercise that kept her from competing at Michigan State the following weekend. Teft is expected to be out of competition for the next few weeks. A strong competitor in all events, Teft will be missed in her time of healing. Her past trophies includes an alternate post for the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team.
‘People will step up,’ said Coach Kuzara on Teft’s absence.
Another top UMass competitor, Jobi Dan’Sy, has shown great strength in the all-around as a returning senior. Kuzara describe Dan’Sy as being a strong leader to the Minutewomen gymnasts.
Coach Kuzara emphasized that right now the team has their health. As the Winter Session draws to a close and the Spring Semester goes underway, women’s gymnastics is looking to turn their opening meets around. The next month should prove the team to be one of the top teams of the A10. Boyden Gymnasium played host to the team’s first home meet against Cornell on Sunday, and will host West Virginia this Saturday.
