Gymnastics team in 4-way meet, then on to Disney World

After posting the second-highest team score in school history last Friday, the 10th-ranked UW gymnastics team is at it again. This time, however, the women have traded in the comforts of home for a little Florida sunshine and a post-meet trip to Disney World.

Despite the overwhelming amount of confidence surrounding the team this week, the effects of a cross-country flight could hurt the Huskies' chances against Florida, George Washington and Rhode Island.

It's not going to be easy adjusting to the three-hour time differential, but coach Bob Levesque insists his team will be ready when the meet gets underway.

"We're leaving at four in the morning, so they're definitely going to be tired," said Levesque. "But when we land, we're going to get them up and get them moving. We're heading straight to the gym so they won't be lethargic."

Washington (2-1) enters the four-way meet on an emotional high, following last week's wins over then-15th-ranked Arizona and San Jose State. The Huskies dominated from the get go, raking in first-place finishes on three events to go along with junior Emily Pritchard's fifth-career all-around title.

Freshman Kelly McDonald won vault for the second-consecutive week, while senior Stacy Wong captured beam, and sophomores Carly Dockendorf and Tacia LaBette tied for first on floor. While Levesque doesn't expect quite the same scores this week, he realizes the Huskies must dig deep and get the job done if they want to overcome jet lag and take top honors once again.

"We're going to be in enemy territory where it's easy to get distracted," said Levesque. "But that's just the way it goes, and we're going to have to keep focused and concentrate on what we're doing instead of what the other teams are doing."

The atmosphere at Friday's home opener was electric, and the Huskies hope they can carry the emotion over into today's event. However, without a home crowd to cheer them on, the women must rely on each other for encouragement.

"We always try to be really loud and supportive on the road," Pritchard said. "We also stay close to our equipment and keep our backs to our opponents. That helps us concentrate on what we need to do."

It should be quite the test for Washington, who is looking to make an early season statement on the East Coast. But, win or lose, Mickey Mouse and friends will welcome the Huskies with open arms tomorrow afternoon. Of course, a team picture with Mickey would be much sweeter if the UW can squeak out a victory.