Super Sunday for Morgan, Stanford

Feb. 7, 2010

STANFORD, Calif. -

Final Results in PDF Format

Freshman sensation Ashley Morgan earned her first collegiate victories, including her debut all-around, to lead the Stanford women's gymnastics team to a quad-meet victory on Sunday.

No. 8 Stanford (196.650) beat No. 24 Washington (194.075), Sacramento State (193.225) and San Jose State (192.800) at Burnham Pavilion while setting nine season bests and eight collegiate career bests.

Morgan won the vault (9.875) and balance beam (9.875), was second on the floor exercise (9.90) and sixth on the uneven bars (9.80) on the way to capturing the all-around title with 39.450 points - the most for a Stanford freshman in three years - with her parents Theresa and Joe, the Hall of Fame second baseman, on hand.

"Morgan had a tremendous day," said Stanford coach Kristen Smyth, whose team improved to 6-2. "She's been working on upgrades on her routines, such as her dismount on bars. She's a gamer. She's going to be solid for us."

Stanford's overall score was a season high and it came on a day Morgan set four personal collegiate bests. Shelley Alexander, a junior co-captain who was second all-around with a season best of 39.300, set collegiate bests in both the bars (9.85) and beam (9.875). Other collegiate career bests were set by junior Danielle Ikoma, who tied for first on beam (9.875) and senior co-captain Allyse Ishino, who tied for first on bars (9.925).

A team highlight, was Stanford's season-high on the beam (49.075) despite a leadoff fall. Morgan, Alexander and Ikoma tied for first.

Janiga and Ishino each scored 9.925s to tie for first on the bars as Stanford matched its season best team score in that event with a 49.325.

"We're taking steps in the right direction," Smyth said. "We're getting a little bit better every weekend."

Another individual highlight was the performance of sophomore Nicole Pechanec, who scored 9.925 to win the floor. The former Czech Republic international has averaged 9.91 in the event over her past three meets.

"She's really a beautiful and artistic performer," Smyth said. "She's really improved her tumbling and I think she's finally getting out the work that she puts in."

Ishino, a senior who was a 2004 U.S. Olympic team alternate, had a big day as well. She averaged 9.83 in three events and scoring a 9.85 in a floor exercise exhibition. Though it wasn't official, she scored 39.350 in her first collegiate all-around.

Her floor routine is vibrant and unique, taking advantage of her spectacular dance skills, and includes only two tumbling passes. Ishino choreographed the routine herself and is expected to unveil it in true competition next Sunday at No. 6 UCLA.

Stanford extended its unbeaten streak against Pac-10 competition at Burnham Pavilion to 30, dating back to 1998. Overall, the Cardinal is 42-1 at Burnham in that span.

The Cardinal has one more home meet, Feb. 28, against California, North Carolina and Eastern Michigan at Maples Pavilion at 2 p.m.

SCORING

Team Results
1. Stanford - (VT- 49.000; UB-49.325; BB- 49.075; FX- 49.250; FINAL-196.650)
2. Washington - (VT- 48.525; UB- 48.700; BB- 48.075; FX- 48.775; FINAL- 194.075)
3. Sacramento State - (VT- 48.200; UB-48.550; BB- 48.300; FX- 48.175; FINAL-193.225)
4. San Jose State - (VT- 48.125; UB- 48.675; BB- 47.175; FX- 48.825; FINAL- 192.800)

Individual Results (Winners and Stanford scores)
Vault: Ashley Morgan (Stanford) 9.875. Other Stanford: Allyse Ishino 9.80, Blair Ryland 9.80, Carly Janiga 9.775, Danielle Ikoma 9.75, Shelley Alexander 9.70.

Uneven Bars: Allyse Ishino (Stanford) and Carly Janiga (Stanford), 9.925. Other Stanford: Shelley Alexander 9.85, Alyssa Brown 9.825, Ashley Morgan 9.80, Nicole Pechanec 9.775.

Balance Beam: Shelley Alexander (Stanford), Danielle Ikoma (Stanford), and Ashley Morgan (Stanford), 9.875. Other Stanford: Allyse Ishino 9.775, Carly Janiga 9.675, Alyssa Brown 9.175.

Floor Exercise: Nicole Pechanec (Stanford) 9.925. Other Stanford: Ashley Morgan 9.90, Shelley Alexander 9.875, Tenaya West 9.80, Blair Ryland 9.75, Carly Janiga 9.725.

All-Around: Ashley Morgan (Stanford) 39.45. Other Stanford: Shelley Alexander 39.30, Carly Janiga 39.10.