The gymnastics team sings the Gustie rouser just prior to the start of the meet.
The Gustavus gymnastics team came up short in its season opening dual meet against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater by the score of 179.375 to 163.925 in St. Peter on Saturday evening. The Gusties were led by sophomore Danielle Thibodeau who finished second in the all-around with a total of 33.275.
Gustavus got off to a solid start with a team score of 44.500 on the vault. Four Gusties scored over 9.0 including Kacy Lorber with a score of 9.175, Danielle Thibodeau at 9.150, Jamie Ries at 9.050, and Samantha Opsahl at 9.025.
The Gusties, however struggled to post consistent scores the rest of the meet and were unable to keep up with a veteran UW-Whitewater squad that returned eight gymnasts from team that finished third at the NCGA Championships last year.
Gustavus posted totals of 38.400 on the uneven bars, 40.225 on the balance beam, and 40.800 on floor exercise. Shelby Winzent posted the top score on the uneven bars at 8.050, and Kacy Lorber at 9.175 on the vault, while Samantha Opsahl led the way on both the balance beam at 8.800 and the floor exercise at 8.575.
UW-Whitewater posted totals of 45.850 on the vault, 44.125 on the uneven bars, 44.275 on the balance beam, and 45.125 on the floor exercise to reach their total of 179.375. Individually, Katie Thompson finished first in the all-around with a total of 35.075.
The Gusties next competition will take place on January 15 at the UW-Oshkosh Triangular.