Women’s gymnastics captures first at conference meet

Chantel Turk is the Midwest Independence Conference Gymnast of the Year. Photo: Steve Woltmann

The women’s gymnastics team recorded a season-high score (195.600) to take first at the Midwest Independence Conference meet Saturday in Shreveport, La.

Senior Chantel Turk brought home Conference Gymnast of the Year honors.

UIC beat Illinois State, Southeast Missouri State, Texas Women’s, Lindenwood and Centenary at the meet.

The Flames claimed the crown in nearly all events, posting top scores on the vault (49.950), parallel bars (48.725), beam (48.925) and floor exercise (49.000).

Turk paced the team on the vault with a 9.850 to place third. Gabrielle May posted a 9.825 on the bars for third place. Alyssa Cruz claimed second place on the beam with a 9.850.

Turk and Tamara Moten finished in a three-way tie for first place on the floor with a 9.875 mark. Catherine Dion finished fourth in the all-around (39.075).

During a banquet Friday, the Flames had eight members selected to the MIC Conference Scholastic Team: Alexandra Vedenin, Giulia Hindermann, Moten, Citlali Cuevas, May, Turk, Erin Duggan and Emily Lawrence.