Photo by: Michael Furman

The 2009 women’s gymnastics season is finally over after All-American Jessica Lopez had a valiant performance at the NCAA Championships last weekend.

Lopez placed sixth on the vault with a score of 9.831 in the individual event finals at Nebraska’s Devaney Center on Saturday.

Lopez’s sixth place finish is the highest of her career in an NCAA Championship. Lopez scored a 38.550 in the all-around competition.

This season, Lopez earned first team All-American honors on vault and second team All-American on beam.

Lopez is now a five time All-American with the Pioneers.

Due to Lopez’s great athletics this season, she has been nominated for the 2008-2009 Honda Sports Award for Gymnastics, even after missing eight weeks due to an elbow injury.

“I have progressed a lot since my elbow injury,” said Lopez. “I think that it made me mentally and physically stronger, along with my training.”

This was the last season for seniors Lopez, Niki Brown and Liz Meals.

Kelley Hennigan also had a strong showing in the tournament by placing 10th in the all-around competition with a score of 39.200.

Hennigan placed ninth on the beam, tying her career-high with a 9.850, and 18th on vault with a respectable 9.825 score.

“I represented this program, my team, coaches and DU as best as I could,” said Hennigan. “I came in prepared, set a goal for myself and reached it, so I am proud.”

The University of Denver gymnastics team finished 15th in the nation according to seasonal averages.

The Pioneers will return nine gymnasts for the 2010 season.