ST. CHARLES, Mo. – After opening its season last weekend, the Winona State University gymnastics team traveled to Lindenwood University on Friday for its first dual meet of the year for a non-conference competition. The Warriors suffered 194.55-183.95 loss to the Lions, but had several gymnasts post new season-high marks.
Kelly Johnston finished sixth on the balance beam with a new season-high score of 9.625. Natalie Koehler (9.575), Kaitlyn West (9.4) and Megan Tran (9.2) finished seventh through ninth, respectively, each posting new high scores for the season.
Reigning WIAC Specialist of the Week, Kennedy Utz, also netted a sixth-place finish to lead the Warriors on floor exercise with a new season-high score of 9.575. West, a freshman, improved on her score from last week by a full point (9.45) to place eighth overall.
Sophomore Alexis Burton led WSU on the uneven parallel bars to finish seventh with a new high score for the year of 9.375. Shelsea Zehr (9.05) placed eighth on the bars and paced the Warriors with a vault score of 9.375 to place seventh. Freshman Hailey Bryant was close behind with a season-high score of her own at 9.325 to finish in a tie West on the vault.
The Warriors will host Gustavus Adolphus College on Tuesday for their first home WIAC dual meet. Competition will begin at 6:30 p.m. inside McCown Gymnasium in Winona.
