Injured CSUN Gymnasts Get Timely Break

In failing to qualify for the NCAA Division II national championship meet by a single point last season, the Cal State Northridge women’s gymnastics team learned that close isn’t good enough.

They hope to avoid the same lesson this season.

For the past three months, CSUN has been building toward the West regional championships March 28 in Sacramento. At that meet, the Matadors can advance to the nationals by winning the regional title or by landing one of two at-large berths with a lofty team score.

This week, however, CSUN is taking what amounts to its final break. The Matadors have an off-week from competition before a March 7 home meet against Northern Colorado and UCLA, ranked No. 2 in Division I, and the regionals.

Many of the CSUN gymnasts will spend the week recuperating. Senior Monica Mayes is suffering from bone spurs in her ankles that have prevented her from competing in the vault, and Peggy Bayless is recovering from an injured knee.

“The routines are all in,” CSUN Coach Susan Rouse said. “Right now it’s just a perfection of parts. But the week off helps because usually, at this time of the season, you have some injuries and their bodies need a break.”