MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire gymnastics team traveled to Mount Pleasant, Michigan to open its season against Central Michigan University, an NCAA Division I opponent.  The Blugolds came up short, losing to the Chippewas 194.975-180.150.

On the vault, the Blugolds were led by Julia Stedman (Fr.-Maplewood, Minn./North St. Paul), who finished seventh with a score of 9.375.

Kellie Dougherty (Fr.-White Bear Lake, Minn.) recorded the top score for the Blugolds on the uneven parallel bars, scoring a respectable 9.025.

The Blugolds' Taylor Custer (So.-Hudson, Ohio) finished seventh in the balance beam, with a score of 9.275.   This was the highest score for the Blugolds in the balance beam.

The floor exercise was the best event for the Blugolds.  Elizabeth Stubbs (Fr.-Wayzata, Minn.) led the team with a score of 9.675, which was enough to tie for fifth place. 

The Blugolds' next event will be the UW-Eau Claire Invitational, which will be contested in the McPhee Physical Education Center.  The Blugolds will host UW-La Crosse and Hamline (Minn.), on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

-BP-