Cal State Fullerton freshman Nicole Lim turned in her finest performance
of the season, winning individual all-around honors and leading a solid
all-around performance by the Titans as they defeated Western Gymnastics
Conference rival Boise State on Friday night at Titan Gym.
Fullerton scored a season-high 194.350 in improving to 1-2 overall and
1-0 in conference meets this season. The Broncos scored a 193.175 in falling
to 0-2 overall on the season.
Lim placed third on vault (9.75) and beam (9.825) and finished tied for
second on floor (9.875) to lead a Titans' sweep in the event. Lim (38.975)
outpaced Boise State's Kea Cuaresma, who finished second with a 38.575,
for the all-around title.
The Titans counted only two falls on the night, one each on beam and floor,
as they led the entire meet. Fullerton led by .475 after the first rotation,
but saw their advantage slip to just over three-tenths of a point after
a strong Boise State vault lineup, which scored a 48.675, won the head-to-head
match-up with the Fullerton bars squad, which scored a 48.550.
Cal State Fullerton was solid on beam despite counting a fall, tallying
two scores of 9.8 or higher and another 9.75. The Titans were helped by
Boise State's struggles on floor as the Broncos counted a 9.125 despite
posting three scores of 9.8 or above.
With the Titans holding a .575 lead entering the final rotation, Fullerton
created some tense moments as the Titans took to the floor. Usually Cal
State Fullerton's strongest event, the first two competitors on floor
exercise scored a 9.225 and a 9.175, opening the door for a Broncos rally.
However, the Titans finished strong as the next four gymnasts scored 9.8's
or higher – including senior Latoya Milburn's event-winning score
of 9.90 – to shut the door and clinch their first win of the season.
Cuaresma and Lindsay Ward took home individual titles on vault and bars
with scores of 9.90 and 9.825, respectively. Cal State Fullerton junior
Kristy Parker shared honors on beam with BSU's Ward with scores of 9.85.
Milburn, Annette Reyes (9.875) and Lim led a 1-2-3 sweep on floor exercise
for the Titans.
Cal State Fullerton returns to action on Friday (Jan. 30) when the Titans
hit the road to take on conference rival Southern Utah in Cedar City,
Utah, at 6 p.m. (PST).
