U. gymnastics year in review

The record

13 WINS — 3 LOSSES

Postseason: Won NCAA West Regional, second in NCAA Championships

Leaders

SEASON HIGHS:

All-around

Kristina Baskett, 39.70

Ashley Postell, 39.675

Vault:

Kristina Baskett, 9.975

Nicolle Ford, 9.95

Uneven bars:

Kristina Baskett, 9.95

Ashley Postell, 9.95

Nicolle Ford, 9.95

Balance beam:

Ashley Postell, 9.975

Ashley Postell, 9.95

Floor exercise:

Ashley Postell, 9.95

Nicolle Ford, 9.95

Report card

Seniors: Nicolle Ford, the only senior/captain, struggled at times with that and injuries but scored 39.475 or better in four of last five appearances. B

Juniors: Ashley Postell overcame early woes for terrific postseason including NCAA beam championship. Katie Kivisto and Jessica Duke were steady. B+

Sophomores: Kristina Baskett had career highs in all but vault in 2007. Nina Kim solid especially on beam over last six appearances, all 9.85 or better. B+

Freshmen: Missed expectations, but Annie DiLuzio (2nd NCAA vault), Daria Bijak NCAA bars finals), Sarah Shire and Beth Rizzo (NCAA floor finals) made late contributions. B-

Overall: Regular-season difficulties aside, they improved steadily through March and April, peaked and won regional and placed 2nd in NCAA championships. B

To do

Remember 2007's lessons:

• Underclassmen need to return/arrive in shape.

• Leadership needs to be distributed, new leaders must be cultivated.

Going

Nicolle Ford, the emotional, determined and often inspirational face of the team.

Coming back

Ashley Postell, who shines brightest on the biggest stages, 2007 NCAA beam champion, top 2007 NCAA Super Six all-arounder.

Kristina Baskett, all-around in 14 of 15 chances and had the 8th-best score in Ute history in February (39.70), became reliable on beam.

Daria Bijak, could become a star if a summer off helps her knees heal and rejuvenates her from grueling combined October World Championships-plus-NCAA seasons.

Annie DiLuzio, 2nd in NCAA vaulting and impressive on floor despite Achilles tendon soreness plus illness.

Newcomers

Jacquelyn Johnson, alternate to 2006 USA World Championships team, third all-around in preliminaries of 2006 American Cup, second all-around at 2004 Junior Olympics, two-year Team USA member.

Kyndal Robarts, 2006 Junior Olympics floor champion, second all-around, third beam. Second all-around/floor 2005 Jr. Championships.