Provo, Utah (Jan. 14, 2005) -- The BYU Cougar gymnastics team took down the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in the first home meet of the season, 195.725 to 192.575.

"They kept their chin up and they competed hard," head coach Cattermole said.

The Cougars had a great night on floor, offering some stellar performances. Sophomore Sierra Jacobs took first with a career high 9.900. Following in her footsteps was Kacie Capra, tying her career high of 9.875. Southern Utah's Carly Geronimo tied for second.

Jaime Mabray once again led the all-around competition, scoring 39.250. On her heels was Marie-Helene Claveau, who beat her career high with a 39.200.

On vault and beam, the cougars dominated, taking the top three spots. Marie-Helene scored a 9.900, winning the vault, and sophomore Kandis Kelly had an outstanding night taking first on beam (9.900).

Leading the way on bars, Lisa Willis took first with 9.800. Sophomore Candace Bauer also had a great night scoring a 9.800.

"I think we're moving in the right direction," said Cattermole. " We're making mistakes, but it is on good stuff. We want to improve our skill."

The Cougars did have a few falls and mistakes in the routines, but realize it is only the beginning of the season. Their goal is to continue to improve.

Supporting the Cougars was a crowd of 1,427. With the change of the meet time, the gymnasts were pleased with the crowd.

Considering the death of team physician, Dr. Roush, Coach Cattermole was pleased with the final result.

"We are doing well, considering the situation," said Cattermole. "I am pleased with how emotionally controlled we were."

PROVO -- The BYU gymnastics team returns to their first home meet against Southern Utah University this Friday at 7:30 pm in the Marriott Center.

"It will be a great meet," said BYU coach Brad Cattermole. "They [SUU] are one of the more underrated teams in the country."

Southern Utah will open its 2005 season against BYU. Last year the Thunderbirds finished second in the Western Gymnastics Conference and fourth at the NCAA North Central Regional. Coach Cattermole believes BYU will have to be on its guard on Friday.

" They are very well coached, and they can beat you if you don't pay attention," said Cattermole.

However, BYU had a strong opener last week with some impressive performances at the Cancun Classic hosted by Oklahoma University. Junior Lisa Willis tied her career high on bars with 9.850. Kandis Kelly performed the same on beam, tying her career high of 9.725.

Senior and co-captain Jamie Mabray had a good performance in Cancun, placing second overall in the all-around competition (39.150). Marie-Helene Claveau was not far behind, scoring an even 39.000.

After redshirting last season, Dayna Smart made her first collegiate appearance in Cancun tying for first place on beam (9.900). Improvement and great performances are expected from the team this season.

This week's meet time was changed to accommodate the funeral of team physician Dr. Matt Roush, who died in Cancun last weekend.

" It's something you have to deal with and move on, " Cattermole said.