Two seniors said goodbye as the No. 20 Pioneer gymnasts ended their season with a 4th place effort at the North Central Regional meet last weekend, with a score of 195.600.
The regional qualifier marked the last meet for seniors Niki Brown and Liz Meals.
“I honestly can’t believe my career here at DU is over,” said Brown “These past four years have passed so quickly, especially this last one.”
Brown and Meals have been important to the success of DU gymnastics throughout their careers. The two have combined for three national championship appearances and consistent regional performances.
“My class has left a legacy and tradition for excellence with this gymnastics program like we set out to do as freshman,” said Brown. “I have truly enjoyed my time here at DU and will always see this team and this program as my family here in Denver.”
Jessica Lopez, another senior, does not have to say goodbye yet as she and Kelley Hennigan have both received berths to compete in the 2009 NCAA Championships.
“I couldn’t be more proud to represent DU, the coaches and my teammates at the national level,” said Hennigan. “I’m very excited and hope to represent my team and school with some enthusiasm and pride.”
DU is one of three schools in the country to be sending two representatives to the NCAA Championship in the all-around competition.
“I’m thrilled to have two student-athletes representing the University of Denver at the NCAA National Championships,” said head coach Melisa Kutcher-Rinehart. “Kelley and Jessica both deserve this fantastic opportunity.”
The Pioneers earned their highest road score of the season this weekend. The team’s best event in the regional tournament was the vault. DU managed it’s second highest score of the season at 49.275, with five participants recording a score of at least 9.800. No. 6 Florida won the meet with 196.775, followed by No. 7 UCLA with 196.625 points.
Denver finished fourth by one half-tenth of a point behind No. 23 Iowa State. The University of NebraskaLincoln will host the 2009 NCAA National Championships April 16-18 at Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb.
