The Lindenwood women's gymnastics team opened its 2016 season on Friday night in Cape Girardeau, Mo. with victory over MIC rival, Southeast Missouri. The Lady Lions recorded their best season-opening mark in the 192.675-191.975 victory.
 
Lindenwood recorded the top team score in three of the four events and led from the very first rotation. The team's final score was over two points higher than its previous high score in a season opener.

The Lady Lions had their best mark of the night on their first rotation with a 48.700 on the bars. They followed with a 48.150 on the vault and a 47.625 on the floor, and led by a full point heading into the final rotation. The Lady Lions sealed the victory with a 48.200 on the beam. 
 
Individually, Kierstin Sokolowski won the vault competition with a 9.800, and Valeri Ingui tied for first in the bars with a 9.800. The team's other 9.800 on the night came from freshman Andavea Alexander on the floor, which placed her second overall.
 
Rachel Zabawa scored a 9.700 or higher on the vault, beam, and floor. Other 9.700 or higher marks came from Sokolowski, Alexander, Trystien Charles, and Aubree Horn on the bars.
 
Lindenwood has its home opener on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. when it hosts SEC Missouri at Hyland Arena.