March 7, 2008
In a night filled with numerous personal bests, the No. 20 Sun Devils recorded a 194.550 in a tri-meet with Boise State and Penn State. Boise State took first in the competition with total of 196.0. Penn State followed in second place with a team total of 195.05.The Sun Devils had a final score of 194.55. Boise State competitor Hannah Redmon and Nittany Lion Brandi Personett took first in the all-around with a score of 39.325. Sun Devil Francesca Mercurio took second in the all-around scoring a 38.975. Tiana Jean placed third with a 38.925 and Beaté Jones fourth with a 38.45.
In the first rotation of the vault, Ashlee Hinkle led the Sun Devils with a near perfect performance scoring her career-best a 9.95 taking first place in the competition. The junior, who has been solid all season, stuck her landing and was even given the coveted 10.0 by one of the judges. With a score of 9.9 from the other judge, Hinkle recorded a career-best 9.95 on vault. Jones nailed her vault tying with her career-high score of 9.85. Mary Atkinson scored a 9.75. Jean posted a 9.7 and Mercurio a 9.675. The Sun Devils had a solid start as team scoring a total of 48.925.
The Sun Devils struggled at first on bars in the second rotation but the last three performers managed to keep the team alive. Tia Orlando and Jean led the Sun Devils both scoring a 9.85 tying for first place in the competition. The score led Orlando to her career-best. Mercurio performed a solid routine posting a 9.8. Bormann tied her season-high with a 9.475. Jones and Atkinson both had falls with the Sun Devils counting Jones score of 9.15. The team totaled a 48.125.
In the third rotation, the Gym Devils came out strong on the beam scoring a team total of 48.975. Jean led the Sun Devils nailing her performance taking first place in the meet scoring a career-best of 9.9. The score is also Jean's first score of a 9.9 in any event and is the highest beam score by a Sun Devil this season. Hinkle tied with two other competitors for second place posting a 9.825. Mercurio tied her season-high of a 9.775. Bormann had clean routine scoring a 9.75. Orlando scored a solid 9.725 and Jones a 9.625.
The Sun Devils moved to the floor in the final rotation, with the freshmen stepping up. Jones led the team tying her career-high score of 9.825. Schuett also picked up from the last few meets and tied her career-high with a score of 9.8. Mercurio tied her season-high as well scoring a 9.725. Hinkle scored a solid 9.7 after taking a few steps in her second pass. Jean posted a 9.475. The team totaled a 48.525.
The Sun Devils host Ohio State Friday March 14 at Wells Fargo Arena. The meet begins at 7:30 p.m.