McQuillin ends season at NCAAs

Jump to agate FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas junior gymnast Dana McQuillin concluded her season Thursday with an individual appearance at the 2005 NCAA Championships in Auburn, Ala. The West Orange, N.J., native competed for the all-around title after the 15th-ranked Gym’Backs were eliminated at the Northeast Regional two weeks ago, while McQuillin advanced as an individual. With the tough task of competing without her teammates, McQuillin found herself in the first session rotating with the University of Utah. McQuillin finished the first session 25th overall as an all-arounder. She opened the meet on bars with a 9.675, followed by a 9.00 on the beam. After a bye, McQuillin tallied a 9.775 on floor. She finished with a 9.575 on the vault. "We are so proud of Dana," said co-head coach Rene Cook. "Even with the missed routine, she had a strong showing and learned a lot from the experience." The third-year Gym’Backs finished the season with the team’s highest ranking in school history at No. 15 to close the regular season. In addition, Arkansas earned its second consecutive trip to the NCAA Regional meet, making it as one of the top 18 teams in the country. McQuillin became the first Gym’Back to reach the national meet, a meet she hopes to share with her teammates next year as Arkansas enjoys its first-ever senior class. Utah won the first session team competition scoring a 196.850. Michigan was second at 196.575, followed by Nebraska with 195.875, LSU with 195.800, Penn State at 194.975 and Oklahoma with a 194.425. Session II takes place late Thursday as the three-day event continues. For more information about Arkansas gymnastics log on to LADYBACKS.COM.