NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State and Central Michigan met for the second time this season and for the Redbirds, the result was much different as they posted a season-high team score of 192.025 in hard-fought defeat at the hands of the Chippewas (194.525) Friday night at Horton Field House.
"The big difference that I saw tonight was the attitude of our gymnasts," head coach Bob Conkling said of his team's result in the second matchup. "I felt like they remained positive from the start of the meet until the end, whereas in the first one it was a bit of a rollercoaster. If we can keep that kind of positive energy going all the way through the meet, I feel like we can continue to keep improving."
The Redbirds were led in the meet by sophomore all-arounder Gabrielle Cooke, who finished second with a score of 38.500. The two-time Midwest Independent Conference Performer of the Week was strong again on the floor, tying for second with a score of 9.825. Cooke also tied for third on the vault (9.750) and fifth on the uneven bars (9.675) to round out a solid effort. Teammate Alyssa Wiggle, who tied for an all-around win last Sunday, finished third with a score of 38.325.
"Gabi is solid every day in the gym, and that is why she has been so consistent in our meets so far this season," Conkling said. "She's had a little hiccup on beam the last two meets, but she's a great beam worker and will get this corrected moving forward."
On balance beam, freshman Savannah Remkus tied a personal best with a score of 9.725 to place third overall, with Wiggle right behind in fifth place with a 9.675. Fellow freshman Cameron Topp had a great showing on floor, tying for sixth with a score of 9.700 to round out a solid day for the Redbirds.
ISU returns to action Thursday, Feb. 15, against another Mid-American Conference foe in Eastern Michigan. That meet is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
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