Cougars Celebrate Senior Night

PROVO -- Seniors Trisha Ashton, Brogan Jacobsen, Kari Lords and Megan Pessoa will take a final walk on the Cougar floor as No. 15 BYU challenges Southern Utah in its final home meet of the season Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Smith Fieldhouse.

"I feel I've achieved my goals at BYU," Ashton said. "I get to compete in the events I enjoy and I feel confident in all I do."

Ashton said although the meet will be emotional for her, she looks forward to competing. Teammate Jacobsen said it will be a night of great gymnastics due to the significance of the night.

"I live to perform," Jacobsen said. "That's what makes gymnastics fun. The bigger the crowd, the better the routines."

BYU coach Brad Cattermole said Senior Night will be an emotional meet, but he expects the girls to stay focused and put out a focused performance.

Jacobsen said she anticipates strong performances because the team is motivated and wants the high scores. Lords said she feels the team is unified and in a good position for the final meets of the season.

"We're doing great as a team," Lords said. "You train everyday for 4 1/2 minutes of a meet and it's nice to finally be able to enjoy it."

The Cougars are currently 12-4, scoring a 197.150 at the Salbasgeon Suites Invitational Friday at the Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Ore. BYU took second place to Oregon State (197.675) with Sacramento State and Michigan State tied for third (195.875) and Boise State (195.025) and Seattle Pacific (192.900) in fifth and sixth place.

Tickets for Friday's meet are available at the BYU Ticket Office or by calling 800-322-BYU1 or 378-BYU1. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for senior citizens, BYU faculty, and students without an All-Sport Card; and $15 for a family pass. Admission is free to students with an All-Sport Card.

"80's Night" is the promotion for the meet, as fans can say goodbye in neon and win prizes too. The meet will be televised on KBYU, channel 11, and on BYU Television, which is available nationally on the Dish Network and DirecTV.