ST. PAUL, Minn. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire gymnastics team pulled out a close win on Friday night, defeating Hamline University on the road by a score of 182.750 to 182.525.
The Blugolds edged the Pipers in on vault (46.450 to 46.050) and outscored Hamline 45.075 to 43.900 on the uneven parallel bars. Eau Claire went one-two on both events, with Ashley Benes (So.- Grand Rapids, MN) winning the vault (9.475) and Andrea Gessner (So.- Lino Lakes, MN/Centennial) coming in second (9.400). On bars, Hannah Lewis (Sr. – Saline, MI) won with a 9.475 while Megan Fayler's (Jr. - Afton, MN/Stillwater) 9.150 placed second.
Kiya Bjorge (Sr. - Kennewick, WA/Southridge) took the top honors on the floor exercise (9.525) while Lauralynn Anderson (Sr. - West Bend, WI) was the highest Blugold finisher on the balance beam, placing third with a 9.250.
Eau Claire will have a quick turnaround as they travel to Winona, Minn. on Tuesday to take on Winona State at 6:30 p.m. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.