Tiger gymnastics preparing for return home at Mizzou quad
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
After defeating Kentucky on the road for the first time in program history, Mizzou gymnastics returns home looking to extend its winning streak.
The Tigers prepare to host the Mizzou quad, set to take on the first group of non conference opponents since early January. But despite the back to back victories, head coach Shannon Welker still believes that there's plenty of room for improvement.
"Obviously we felt like we could have done better in some areas, but I do think there's some growth," said coach Welker. "I'd much rather walk out of there feeling that way with a win than with a loss."
You can watch the full press conference with coach Welker as well as gymnasts Lauren McPherson and Kaia Tanskanen in the video player above.
In the victory, the balance beam, which had been one of the team's stronger events, had a significant drop off from previous weeks. Although as a whole the score dropped, graduate senior Lauren McPherson continued her stellar comeback campaign after tearing her achilles and not competing due to injury.
"I didn't really know what to expect from myself," said McPherson. "I just was like "let's give it a try," so I'm really proud of myself."
Also getting back into the swing of things is sophomore Kaia Tanskanen. After competing late into the Summer and Fall at the World Championships, Tanskanen took extra time off at the beginning of the season. However now in February, she feels like she's back to 100% and ready for the rest of the season.
"I'm getting back on track and where I want things to be at. So I think I'm really happy with myself and I'm going to keep pushing," said Tanskanen.
With a quad meet on the horizon for the Tigers, coach Welker wants to patch up as many of the holes from Kentucky as possible before the postseason rolls around.
"For getting in the win column, that didn't feel like winning for us as a team," said Welker. "I think it's more about our performance and advancing, progressing, and maximizing what we can do. And I think we're doing that win or lose."
Up Next - Mizzou will host Illinois, Ball State, and Air Force at Mizzou Arena for the Mizzou Quad. First touch for that meet is set for 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20.
