SHREVEPORT-The Centenary gymnastics team opened its season with a strong showing on Saturday evening as it took on Texas Woman's University in the Gold Dome. The Ladies finished in second with a score of 187.475 to the Pioneers' 193.200.
Under the direction of new head coach Gretchen Goerlitz, the Ladies entertained a home crowd as seven returners and four newcomers showcased their talent on the opening night.
Junior Marisa Schneider was the only Centenary All-Around performer, scoring a 37.450 to take home second place behind TWU's Rashonda Cannie's 38.925.
Centenary placed a gymnast in the top three in every individual event besides the Bars. Redshirt sophomore Tara Sandoval tied for second on Beam with TWU's Cannie and Leslie Pladson with a score of 9.675. Taking home first in that event was Caroline Hilpisch with a 9.700.
On Vault, freshman Amanda Holt placed third with a 9.700 for Centenary, while Kristin Edwards of TWU won with an event-best 9.775.
Senior Whitney Daugherty showcased a 9.800 on the Floor, tying for second with TWU's Cannie. Edwards edged the two with a 9.825 for top honors.
Despite placing any Ladies in the top three on Bars, Sandoval finished as Centenary's top competitor in that event with a 9.650, barely missing a top three spot. Chaynade Knowles won the event with a 9.725.
Centenary, as a team, performed its best on the floor, compiling a total score of 48.150. The Ladies tallied a 47.950 on Vault, 45.950 on Bars, and a 45.425 on Beam.
The Ladies compete next on January 23 at TWU, beginning at 7:00 pm.
