The Falcons need to step up their performance at the next three gymnastics meets to have a chance to compete in the national competition.
Currently ranked sixth in their conference, Seattle Pacific University's gymnastics head coach Laurel Tindall said the team needs to shoot for scores of 190 or above in the next three meets. Conference placement is based on the six highest scores of the season, which means a team can quickly jump up the ranks with an average score if they have a fairly low score to drop. SPU's scores have remained pretty constant between 188-189, with the lowest at 186.450. Such a close range though means high scores are needed to keep the team's average high.
Right now, the team is struggling to compete consistently in all four events-bars, floor, vault and beam.
"We're doing well on three and then missing one," Tindall said. "We have to continue to be mentally tough through all four events regardless of what order we compete them in."
Though the team's rated second on bars in the division, beam continues to be a weak spot for the team. The team placed third against Washington and Arkansas State in the Feb. 26 meeting, scoring 188.275.
"We did well on some things. Our vault and floor were really good," Tindall said. "Our bars and beam were not so good."
Hitting bar routines is key Tindall said, especially since SPU competes in a division of Pac-10 and Division I teams, and doesn't see any D-II competition until the national competition. Dealing with sickness and injury has also made it difficult to selecte a lineup of competitors, Tindall added.
"They have to be more tough mentally and be able to go out there and have the confidence to know they can hit their set," Tindall said. "And be able to work through any adversity when things aren't quite the same as they are at home."
While the team works on developing a consistent lineup, the team has the advantage of having two of its last meets at home. After a meet against Eastern Michigan March 13, the Falcons will compete against Washington again March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Brougham Pavilion. The MPSF Conference Championships will also be held at Brougham Pavilion, March 27 at 6 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]
