GYMNASTICS SCORES SEASON HIGH BUT FALLS TO SAN JOSE STATE, 195.300-194.900

3/18/2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento State gymnastics team closed out the home portion of its schedule with a season-high 194.900 but it was not enough as the Hornets fell to San Jose State (195.300), Sunday afternoon at the Hornets Nest.

The team total was nearly a full point better than Sacramento State’s previous high of 193.925. It is also tied for the seventh-best mark in school history.

Individually, the Hornets were led by sophomore Marina Borisova who finished first on bars, floor and in the all-around. Borisova totaled 39.275 on all four events, including a 9.900 on bars and floor.

Sacramento State opened the meet on vault and scored a season-high 48.500. The team was led by senior Sara Williams who scored a personal best 9.775 to place third. The Spartans also started strong, with a 48.900 on bars. The final five San Jose State gymnasts scored at least 9.725 and the team was paced by Michelle Minotti’s 9.850.

In the second rotation, the Hornets scored a season high 49.075 on bars. The first five gymnasts scored at least 9.725 to set the tone. Borisova matched her career high with a 9.900. Freshman Lauren Dyson and junior Melissa Genovese each added a 9.825 and Williams scored 9.800. Dyson’s score set a career high as did freshman Eryn Stubblefield (9.725).

San Jose State pulled away in the third rotation with a 48.775 on floor compared to a 48.275 on beam from the Hornets. Freshman Lissa Zamolo opened the beam lineup with a 9.750 and was followed by Stubblefield who matched that score. However, juniors Tiffany Bass and Nicole Giao each fell for Sacramento State in the next two routines. Borisova got things back on track with a 9.775 and Genovese concluded with a 9.850 to tie for second.

The Hornets gained a little ground in the final rotation with a season high 49.050 on floor. However, the Spartans were also solid on beam, scoring 48.875. Sacramento State was anchored by the back half of its lineup on floor. Bass scored 9.800, Giao added a 9.875, Genovese recorded a 9.850 and Borisova ended with a 9.900. Borisova finished first overall while Giao tied for second.

In the all-around, Borisova edged Genovese who scored a career high 39.175. SJSU’s Veronica Porte was third at 39.125.

The Spartans had first place showings on vault from Raylyn Cardeno (9.850) and on beam from Michelle Minotti (9.900).

The meet was the final home contest for Williams and fellow senior Courtney Hibler. Williams scored 9.775 on vault to set a career high, 9.800 on bars, and 9.550 on a beam exhibition. Hibler, who had not competed all season due to a knee injury, scored 9.575 on a beam exhibition.

Sacramento State will next compete at UC Davis on Friday, March 23. The meet will also feature San Jose State and Cal and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.