Confident after posting the highest score in UW-Eau Claire history in its previous meet, the gymnastics team put in another strong effort at Friday’s Gershon McLellan Invitational at UW-La Crosse.

Eau Claire scored 171 points in the eight-team meet, one week after tallying 173.875 at the Ball State (Ind.) Cardinal Classic.

“We’re really happy with our score,” junior Andrea Beaudry said. “I can’t remember the last time we scored that high in our region.”

Prior to the last two meets, Eau Claire broke the 170 mark once, on Jan. 27, 2001.

Beaudry said the team’s sharper focus is the biggest reason for its recent improvement.

“We’re really just looking at ourselves more,” she said. “We’re not worried about what the other teams are doing.”

Centenary College (La.), a Div. I school, won the meet with 184.75 points.

Freshman Alison Eagles was Eau Claire’s top performer, placing fifth on the vault (9.275) and achieving personal-best scores on the floor (9.075) and beam (8.675).

Sophomore Kristina Reitzel posted the fourth highest score in school history in the all-around competition (34.625) and fifth highest score on the floor.

The Blugolds, although happy with their scores, know they need to keep sharpening their skills in order to start placing higher.

“We have some cleaning up to do,” said junior all-around performer Lara Harris. “There’s been a few falls and mistakes we have to fix.”

Thursday the Blugolds will travel to St. Peter, Minn. for a dual-meet with Gustavus Adolphus, who scored 175.425 points Friday.

“It’s within our reach to beat them,” Harris said. “We just have to put it all together.”