CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Southeast Missouri gymnastics opened the 2016 season Friday evening, narrowly falling to the reigning Midwest Independent Conference Champion Lindenwood University, 192.675-191.975. Ashley Thomas claimed the all-around title for the Redhawks with a score of 38.650.
 
"I am really proud of this team," head coach Kristi Ewasko said. "I think they really learned what being a teammate and a family really is. We lost Alyssa Tucker yesterday and Olivia Vincent in the first rotation and they could have easily crumbled, but our athletes really stepped up and did their jobs tonight. Even though we didn't get the win, I'm very pleased with how our team handled the obstacles. "
 
The Redhawks dropped the first rotation to the Lady Lions posting a 47.725 on vault. Alexis Brawner lead the way with a score of 9.625, while 2015 Gymnast of the Year, Valeri Ingui, helped LU to a 48.700 with a lineup-best 9.800 on bars.
 
Southeast would cut into the lead in the second rotation, finishing with a 48.650 on bars while the Lady Lions posted a 48.150 on vault. Lauren Israel posted a lineup-best 9.800 in the event. Three other Redhawks, including Taylor Penzien, Allyson Bell and Thomas, posted scores of 9.700 or better.
 
The Redhawks dropped the third rotation with a score of 47.100 on the balance beam, while Lindenwood posted a team score of 47.625 on floor. Freshman McKinzie Jones claimed the beam title with a 9.750. The beam title is her first career event title.
 
Southeast claimed the fourth rotation with a score of 48.500 on the floor exercise, but couldn't mount the comeback as the Lady Lions finished with a 48.200 on beam.
 
"We just have to get back to training and getting some of our other athletes ready to go, now that they have a chance to compete," Ewasko added. "I'm excited and believe we've got some athletes who are really going to step up for us."
  
The Redhawks are back in action Jan. 16 at the Ozone Classic in Knoxville, Tennessee. They will compete in a quad meet featuring Air Force, Iowa State and Pittsburgh.