Cancun Great Start for Cougars

CANCUN -- The Cougars started off the season strong, coming in second (194.675) at the Cancun Gymnastics Classic, hosted by Oklahoma University.

Oklahoma took first (195.90) with George Washington University placing third (191.625) and Gustavus Adolphus fourth (175.80).

"I was very pleased with our results," said head coach Brad Cattermole. "We start the season and then build through and get stronger as we go."

For the opening meet, the team did well, placing in the top three in all events except floor exercise. An outstanding performance was given by senior Jaime Mabray, who placed second all-around with a 39.150.

The Cougars had a good night on vault with Marie-Helene Claveau placing second (9.850) and Kirsten Pauga and Jaime Mabray tying for third (9.825). On bars, Lisa Willis placed second (9.850).

Freshman Dayna Smart started her season and collegiate carrer off with a stellar performance on beam earning a tie for first place with OU's senior and captain Erin LaBarr (9.900). Smart had a red-shirt season last year due to injury.

"She did a heck of a job and had a heck of a routine," Cattermole said.

Oklahoma's LaBarr led the meet placing first all-around and on bars, beam and floor.

Last year, Oklahoma finished the season ranked 11th with BYU coming in at 16th. Coach Cattermole knows the rankings will vary during this season and just hopes to improve the gymnasts individually this year.

"This team could prove to be our best," said Cattermole. "They are a mature team who act like professional athletes."

The Cougars return home this weekend to face No. 30 Southern Utah University. The meet is tentatively scheduled for Friday evening in the Marriott Center.

Team Results
Oklahoma 195.90
BYU 194.325
George Washington 191.625
Gustavus Adolphus 175.800
Individual Results
All-Around
1. Erin LaBarr (OU) 39.600
2. Jaime Mabray (BYU) 39.150
3. Ashley Cooney (OU) 39.025
Other BYU scores:
Marie-Helene 39.000
Vault: (OU 48.850; BYU 48.575; GWU 46.975; GA 44.975)
1. Ashley Cooney (OU) 9.900
2. Marie-Helene Claveau (BYU) 9.850
3. Tie: Kirsten Pauga and Jaime Mabray (BYU) 9.825
Other BYU scores:
Dayna Smart 9.750
Sierra Jacobs 9.675
Althea Boon 9.500
Uneven Bars: (OU 49.250; BYU 48.100; GWU 47.750; GA 40.100)
1. Erin LaBarr (OU) 10.0
2. Lisa Willis (BYU) 9.850
3. Brittney Koncak (OU) 9.850
Other BYU scores:
Jaime Mabray 9.800
Candace Bauer 9.800
Marie-Helene Claveau 9.625
Genevieve Claveau 9.025
Kacie Capra 9.025
Balance Beam: (BYU 48.825; OU 48.425; GWU 48.350; GA 44.875)
1. Tie: Dayna Smart (BYU) and Erin LaBarr (OU) 9.900
3.   Ashley Cooney (OU) 9.850
Other BYU scores:
Marie-Helene Claveau 9.825
Kandis Kelly 9.725
Kacie Capra 9.700
Jaime Mabray 9.675
Lisa Willis 8.975
Floor Exercise: (OU 49.375; BYU 48.825; GWU 48.550; GA 45.850)
1. Erin LaBarr (OU) 9.925
2. Kristen Cox (OU) 9.900
3. Tie: Tiffany Willin and Ashley Cooney (OU) 9.875
BYU scores:
Kacie Capra 9.850
Jaime Mabray 9.850
Kirsten Pauga 9.725
Sierra Jacobs 9.700
Marie-Helene Claveau 9.700
Genevieve Claveau 9.250