The nationally-ranked Illinois State gymnastics team (5-0) looks to continue its winning streak on the road this weekend against Central Michigan (1-2) and Ball State (1-2) at the Cardinal Classic, hosted by Ball State in Muncie, Indiana.
The well-balanced Redbird team, currently ranked No. 6 in the nation, will face comparatively young squads from both Central Michigan and Ball State on Friday night.
This season, the Redbirds' team high score has been broken twice over, and now stands at a lofty 196.000.
Central Michigan fell to rival, Western Michigan in a 193.400-192.725 contest last weekend and has failed to best 193.350 this season, while Ball State, fresh off of a loss to Eastern Michigan (193.025-191.625), has a season high of 192.900.
Relying on all-arounders Michelle Houston, Denise Houda and Heather Mohler, the Redbirds are favored to win this weekend's triangular meet.
Sophomore standout, Heather Mohler from Wadsworth, Ohio, is currently ranked No. 3 in the South Central Region's all-around standings, with teammates Houda and Houston following closely behind at No. 4 and No. 6, respectively.
Beam continues to be a strong point for the 'Birds, as they set a new team record in their season opener against Western Michigan (49.300), and shattered it again last weekend when facing Illinois at home (49.725).
"At this point, we are not focusing on numbers, rankings, or statistics," said head coach Jill Hollembeak. "Our two goals from here on out are to improve our performances and to have fun."
After facing Central Michigan and Ball State, the Redbirds will travel to Columbia, Mo. to take on Missouri for a February 3 meet before coming home to face the University of Illinois-Chicago at Horton Fieldhouse on February 18.
