2007 GWM Northeast Regional -- Notes & Quotes
4/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
N O T E S
Michigan advanced to its 15th straight NCAA Championships; U-M remains just one of four programs in the nation to accomplish the feat. Georgia, Utah and Alabama also advanced to the NCAA Championships this season to keep their streaks alive.
Sophomore Tatjana Thuener-Rego won Michigan's 41st and 42nd individual event titles at an NCAA Regional Championship. She won the ninth all-around and seventh floor title for the Wolverines in program history. Elise Ray (2004) was the last Wolverine to earn the all-around crown at regionals, while Calli Ryals (2003) was the last to win floor. Only five Wolverines have ever won a regional floor title, and seven Wolverines have taken home the floor crown. A Michigan gymnast has won an individual title at regionals in every season since 1997.
Tonight's meet was the final meet at Crisler Arena for seniors Clare Flannery and Carol McNamara. Senior Lindsey Bruck plans to return to U-M in the fall and compete as a fifth-year senior.
Freshman Maureen Moody matched a career high on the uneven bars with her score of 9.850. The mark tied sophomore Tatjana Thuener-Rego for the team-high tonight.
Sophomore Tatjana Thuener-Rego's mark of 9.850 on the balance beam equaled her season high in the event. She earned the mark previously at the State of Michigan Classic on February 3.
Sophomore Huneth Lor set a career best on floor with a 9.850, while tying a career mark on vault with a 9.825.
Michigan's 49.325 on floor was a season high. The team's 196.050 was the seventh highest score of the season for the Wolverines.
Q U O T E S
Michigan Head Coach Bev Plocki
On advancing to nationals despite counting a fall ... "It means a lot. When we fell on beam, I felt it in the pit of my stomach. Clare Flannery was devastated. She has had a great season and I told her to be there for her team. We still had floor left and -- like we have done all season -- we believed and finished strong on floor. That is what made the difference. We have someone step up every time; I should be used to it by now. We have pride in wearing the block 'M' and to represent Michigan. I am so proud of this team; I got goosebumps. I am glad we advanced to NCAAs and did not end our season at regionals. Anything can happen at this point. It surprised me that we counted a fall and qualified. It came down to our floor beating their beam. We maintained our composure and executed."
U-M Senior Clare Flannery
On qualifying for nationals ... "We wanted it so bad. We set two goals at the beginning of the year; to win the Big Tens and advance to nationals. We had so many setbacks, but we pushed through and accomplished both. We are just thrilled."
On the team's struggles on beam ... "After beam, I was upset. I thought I had lost it for the team -- it was the worst feeling ever. I had only one other fall this year. But nothing is over until it's over. We still had a great chance and we stuck it out. I am relieved and happy. I am proud of everybody and this team deserves to go to NCAAs."
U-M Sophomore Tatjana Thuener-Rego
On the streak of qualifying for 15 NCAA Championships in a row ... "It crossed my mind and I thought about it. I wondered what it would be like if we did not qualify, but I believe in this team and wasn't worried. I have faith in the team and we stepped up when we needed to."
On qualifying despite the team's injuries ... "It means more to us. There are not enough words to describe how close we are as a team and how bad we wanted it."
On her all-around crown ... "I am proud of it and I am excited for the team. It is special to me after having a rough meet."
Players Mentioned
