Feb. 4, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS -- The interesting thing with gymnastics, and something that sets it apart from other sports, is that a team can win its meet over the weekend and fall slightly in the polls on Monday.

That's what happened with the University of Minnesota women's gymnastics team, which defeated Michigan State on Friday, but saw its national rank fall from 10th to tied for 13th in the most recent GymInfo Top 25 National Rankings. The Top 25 rankings are based on teams' average scores.

The Gophers (8-0, 3-0 Big Ten) were ranked No. 23 in the preseason poll, but debuted at No. 11 in the first regular season poll on Jan. 14, were ranked 12th on Jan. 21, and moved to 10th last week. The Top 10 ranking was the first for Minnesota since being ranked fifth on Jan. 14, 2002.

Minnesota is among five Big Ten programs ranked in the Top 25. Michigan tops the list at No. 3, while defending champion Nebraska is ninth, Minnesota is tied for 13^th, Ohio State is 20th, and Illinois is 22nd.

The Gophers welcome the Illini to the Twin Cities for a meet on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. CT. It will be Kylie Schermann Community Day, and fans can receive $4 general admission tickets by using the code "KylieLVille" when ordering by phone (612.624.8080 | 800.UGOPHER) or online at www.mygophersports.com. It's also Military Appreciation Day, and fans can receive $4 general admission tickets by using the code "CamoGoldy." (The special rates are for advance sales only, and will not be applicable to Saturday sales.)