March 8, 2008
Complete Release in PDF Format
STANFORD, Calif. - The top-ranked Stanford men's gymnastics squad defeated No. 4 California,356.150 - 355.650, in a close one tonight on Senior Night at Maples Pavilion. The win marks the 16th victory for the Cardinal this year, and avenges the loss delivered by the Golden Bears the last time the two teams met in a dual meet.
Stanford began the meet by honoring their six seniors, Eli Alcaraz, Dylan Carney, Chris Harper, Sho Nakamori, David Sender, and Jason Shen. After the seniors and their family members were introduced, the meet began in front of a loud and supportive crowd of 233.
Stanford started the competition off right in the first rotation, taking a 4.05 lead over Cal. Redshirt sophomore Greg Ter-Zakhariants, the nation's top-ranked gymnast in floor exercise, captured the event title with a 15.850, while freshman Josh Dixon and Carney rounded out the top three. Harper and junior Bryant Hadden took second and third, respectively, in pommel horse, propelling the Cardinal out in front.
In the second rotation, Stanford flexed its muscle on the vault, grabbing all three top spots, with two scores over 16. Carney captured the event with his best score of the season, 16.050, while Dixon took second with an even 16.000. Ter-Zakhariants took third with 15.950. Freshman Tim Gentry took first in still rings with 15.150, and was the only Cardinal gymnast to place in that event. At the end of the rotation, Stanford had increased their lead by six-tenths of a point.
In the final rotation, Stanford was bested by Cal in both events. The Golden Bears' started their comeback, earning back eight-tenths of a point and grabbing first and third place in horizontal bar. Carney took second in horizontal bars for the Cardinal with an even 15.000, while Cal would then close the gap even more in their final event, parallel bars, gaining back 3.3 points and taking the top three places. It wouldn't be enough though, as Stanford would hold on to their lead, defeating the Golden Bears.
Stanford will have their final tune-up before the MPSF Championships, the Cardinal vs. White Alumni Meet, on March 29 at 4 p.m. in Burnham Pavilion. The MPSF Championships will be in Lincoln, Neb. this year on April 5.