Positive attitude, focus on technique will be paramount for Big Ten Tournament

Despite an injury and two straight losses, the MSU gymnastics team is optimistic about Saturday’s Big Ten Tournament in Ann Arbor.

And walking into enemy territory, Crisler Arena, could actually be advantageous for the No. 15 Spartans, who are hoping to ease some of the season’s stresses and just have some fun.

“We’ve already competed at that arena this year,” senior Rhiannon Banda-Scott said. “It’s an advantage over the other teams. I’m really excited because we have so much depth this year. For me, it’s my last (Big Ten Tournament), so I just want to have a solid meet and do the best I can.”

For junior Katlyn Roggensack, it’s about focusing on what the team can control rather than what place it comes in at the meet.

“We try not to focus on the competition,” Roggensack said. “It’s more about getting in there and getting our job done. Focusing on our gymnastics and the process rather than the outcome (is more important). Whatever happens, happens.”

Getting the job done could prove a little more difficult, however.

The team is learning to manage without injured sophomore Nicole Curler, who was ranked the top gymnast on the balance beam throughout the season, head coach Kathie Klages said.

“It’s hard to stay focused because you’ve got a teammate that’s injured, but on the other hand, you’ve got a job to do,” Klages said.

During her first pass in warm-ups at Arkansas last weekend, Curler landed wrong on her feet and blew out both of her ankles — sustaining third-degree high ankle sprains. She will not be competing in Saturday’s meet.

“I was really upset because it was such bad timing to get hurt,” Curler said. “It was really frustrating. ... I had goals I wanted to accomplish for myself, it just makes me want to come back that much quicker and that much stronger.”

Curler added that she would know how long she’d have to sit out once she had an MRI, which she said was scheduled for Wednesday.

“It’s hard because you know it could be you,” Roggensack said. “Any day could be your last in this sport. It’s hard to put that aside, but it’s important that we just recognize what happened (and) deal with it later — but we can be tough.”

That positive attitude is what will make the Spartans successful this weekend, freshman Kelsey Morley said.

“We’ve struggled under pressure this season, but I really think we’ve practiced enough,” Morley said. “We know our team well and we trust each other.”

Saturday’s competition starts at 2 p.m. at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor.