Eastern Michigan Athletics
Gymnastics Hosts Eagle Invitational
3/4/2009 1:03:52 PM | Gymnastics
The Eagle Invitational is set for 7 p.m. at Bowen Field House.
YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team will compete at home for the final time this season, as the Eagles host the Eagle Invitational Saturday, March 7, at Bowen Field House at 7 p.m. EMU is set to compete against Central Michigan University, No. 25 Kent State University and the No. 13 Tigers of the University of Missouri.
SEATTLE RECAP: After finishing fourth in the Washington Invitational behind three nationally ranked squads, the Eagles claimed victory in two meets over the Falcons of Seattle Pacific University, Feb. 24 and 27. EMU registered a 190.475-188.700 win, Feb. 24, and a 192.900-189.875 victory, Feb 27.
EAGLE INVITATIONAL: The Eagle Invitational marks the final home meet for the Eagles this season and the final home competition for seniors Stefanie James, Maureen Moss, Monica Lucas and Duyen Zu Vuong. The Eagles already faced CMU earlier this season at the State of Michigan Classic, but have not met Missouri or Kent State in competition.
LOOKING AHEAD: Next week marks the end of the regular season for EMU, as the team heads to Mount Pleasant, Mich. for a match-up with the CMU Chippewas, March 14. The Eagles then head to Muncie, Ind. for the Mid-American Conference Championships, March 21. Going into the Eagle Invitational, the Eagles have a 3-1 mark in the MAC, while Kent State remains unbeaten at 4-0 and CMU holds a 4-1 record.
VAULTING TO THE TOP: Senior Stefanie James posted a career-best mark on the vault against Seattle Pacific University, Feb. 24, as she carded a 9.800 to help lead the Eagles to victory. Junior Erin Grigg also posted an impressive mark on the vault against the Falcons, as her 9.825 tied a personal best.
BEAMING WITH CONFIDENCE: Senior Maureen Moss tied her career-best mark on the balance beam against Seattle Pacific University, Feb. 27, as the Gurnee, Ill. native carded a 9.800 to tie her 9.800 that she set at the Washington Invitational earlier this season.
TOUGH COMPETITION: The Eagles have faced several top ranked gymnastics programs this season, including No. 9 Oregon State, No. 14 Michigan, No. 15 Illinois and No. 22 Washington. The team will also take on No. 13 Missouri and No. 25 Kent State at the Eagle Invitational.
AWARD WINNING EAGLES: Senior Duyen Zu Vuong and junior Erin Grigg have both captured Mid-American Conference individual accolades this season. Zu Vuong was named the MAC Specialist of the Week after posting solid marks against Bowling Green State University earlier this season. Grigg, a 3.97 GPA in exercise science, earned MAC Female Scholar Athlete of the Week honors for the period ending Jan. 29.
