Ferreira Wins Senior Division in Gymnastics

Jennifer Ferreira of the Southern California Acro Team held off teammates Lori Evans and Sabrina Mar, Saturday, to win the senior division of the Orange County Gymnastics Meet at Titan Gym in Fullerton.

Ferreira of Long Beach scored a 73.65 to edge Evans (72.60) and Mar (72.55).

After Friday’s compulsories, Ferreira had a slim five-hundreths of a point lead over Mar and 1984 Olympic team member Michelle Dusserre, also of SCATS.

Evans trailed by two and a half points.

However, Dusserre’s hopes of passing Ferreira came crashing down in her first event.

Competing on the parallel bars, Dusserre’s foot hit top bar while dismounting. The 16-year-old from Garden Grove twisted in the air and landed hard on her left arm.

Officials said early indications pointed to an elbow separation. They estimated the injury will hold up her training for three to six weeks.

Evans was strong on the vault, winning with a 9.65. But her charge was stifled by Ferreira’s steady performance, capped by a 9.35 on the floor exercise.

“The floor was important for me,” Ferreira said. “I knew if I did well I’d win. I was kind of nervous because it was the first time I was doing two double backs, but everything worked out.”

In the junior division Jennifer Barton of SCATS totally outclassed the field, winning the all-around easily with a score 73.45.

Barton’s only trouble came during the floor routine. Falling on a tumbling pass, Barton’s face was a study in tension.

“When I fell I was really worried,” said the 14-year-old from Westminster, “I didn’t know if I still had a chance after that fall.”