CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The No. 24 ranked University of Denver Gymnastics team (4-4) defeated the Southeast Missouri Redhawks 194.755 to 194.075 on Friday evening at the Houck Field House in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

"I was pleased with the performance of our student-athletes tonight," said head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart. "We're still not hitting on all cylinders and some key performers were missing from the line-up. It's a tremendous opportunity for some of our newer gymnasts to contribute. These experiences are invaluable to their development and our future."

Sophomore Louise Mercer (Nottingham, England) won her second all-around title of the season with a 39.050 score after posting scores of 9.825 on vault (tied career high), 9.725 on bars, 9.625 on beam and 9.875 (tied career high) on floor.

Junior Brianna Springer (Arvada, Colo.) finished fourth in the all-around with a score of 38.200 after posting scores of 9.775 on vault, 9.175 on bars, 9.775 on beam and 9.475 on floor.

Senior Taylor Sanford (Omaha, Neb.) took home her second beam title of the season with a 9.800, while Mercer's floor routine secured her second floor title of the season, tying her career-high of 9.875.

As a team, the Pioneers turned in scores of 48.925 on vault, 48.500 on bars, 48.650 on beam and 48.700 on floor.

Up next, the Pioneers travel to Normal, Ill., to face Illinois State in a dual meet on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. MT.

- PIONEERS -