Wolverines Scratch Two Routines in Exhibition Loss to EMU

Sunday, December 6

Ann Arbor, Mich.

2:00 PM

Michigan

183.350

194.050

Eastern Michigan (ex)

Wolverines Scratch Two Routines in Exhibition Loss to EMU

12/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics

Photo Gallery

Dec. 6, 2015

Talia Chiarelli

» Michigan scratched two of its six floor routines due to illness.
» Freshman Olivia Karas had an impressive debut for the Wolverines.
» Wolverines use exhibition as prep for season.

• Complete Results | Photo Gallery

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Crisler Center)
Score: Eastern Michigan 194.050, Michigan 183.350 (ex.)
Attendance: 1,100
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Jan. 2 -- vs. Arkansas and Iowa - Cancun Classic (Cancun, Mexico), 6 p.m. CST

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's gymnastics team (183.350) had its first chance to perform at Crisler Center this season but fell short of victory against Eastern Michigan (194.050) on Sunday (Dec. 6).

The Wolverines were missing several gymnasts from the lineup and with a small roster were shorthanded entering the meet. A pair of competitors scratched late in the meet due to illness as well. Despite the injuries and illnesses, the performances were not what U-M was hoping to see for the tuneup to the regular season.

Several errors cost Michigan in the exhibition loss to EMU. U-M struggled on bars, counting two scores less than 9.2. The bars rotation dropped the Wolverines behind the Eagles.

Despite trailing by nearly two points after the first two rotations, a strong beam rotation brought Michigan back in contention. Junior Talia Chiarelli scored a 9.85 and dazzled the crowd with her routine to the song of "All I Want For Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey. She followed up a solid 9.825 by sophomore Brianna Brown, who dazzled the crowd with a cat leap side somi.

Heading to the final rotation, the Wolverines were in the mix, but senior Briley Casanova and junior Nicole Artz both scratched and U-M only counted four scores.

Chiarelli followed up her excellent beam routine with a 9.825 on floor to cap a solid overall day for her. Freshman Olivia Karas also had an impressive showing in her first time competing in the Maize and Blue. She scored an all-around score of 39.25 to top all competitors. Three of her scores were 9.8 or better, including a 9.875 on floor. Casanova kicked off the meet with a bang, scoring 9.85 on vault in the first routine of the day. Brown was a bright spot on bars, scoring 9.85.

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