The gymnastics team could not avenge the loss it suffered to Michigan State on Feb. 8 in Indianapolis.
Ball State tried its hand at revenge Saturday when the team traveled to East Lansing, Mich., for the Spartan Invitational. The Cardinals came up short in their attempt, finishing third of four teams.
The host Spartans won the annual invitational with a score of 195.7, the fifth-highest team score in Michigan State history. The University of Illinois-Chicago finished second by scoring 194.875 points, and Ball State placed third scoring 193.275 points. New Hampshire finished fourth with 193.1.
Michigan State's title was its third straight in the Spartan Invitational and ninth in the competition's 13-year run.
Spartan senior Jane McIntosh led the charge by equaling her own school record, scoring 9.950 to win the balance beam event. The meet was her third of the season after recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. She also placed third in her only other event, scoring 9.875 on the floor exercise.
Spartan head coach Kathie Klages was proud of her senior's performance.
"I'm really pleased with Jane McIntosh," Klages said. "Tonight was the first time I felt like I saw the 'old' Jane."
The Cardinals' competition on the road has been tough recently. The squad lost three straight events on enemy territory. Prior to Saturday's invitational in East Lansing, the Cards lost at the University of Kentucky and again at Missouri University.
Ball State fell to 11-8 overall after Saturday's meet. The team will continue through the bumps in the road Friday, traveling to Missouri for a showdown with Southeast Missouri and Illinois State.
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