In its last regular season meet, the Illinois State gymnastics team will travel to Centenary College in Centenary, La., for the Midwest Independent Championships on Saturday, March 29 at 3 p.m., in a last attempt qualify for NCAA Regionals for the third time in four years.
The Redbirds will take on host Centenary, Illinois-Chicago, Southeast Missouri State and Winona State. Of the other four teams competing, Illinois State has faced reigning Midwest Independent Conference champion Illinois-Chicago and SEMO this season. The Redbirds are 1-3 against Illinois-Chicago and took on the Flames Sunday at the State of Illinois Classic. Illinois-Chicago captured first and the Birds placed fourth; however, Illinois State registered its highest tally of the season, a score of 194.875. Illinois State has also competed against SEMO twice this season with a 1-1 record, with their last meeting resulting in a SEMO win March 17.
This weekend, we want to go out and finish the season on a high note, said head coach Beth Larson. Were always looking to top UIC, especially because theyll be the favorites of the meet. We want to finish strong at conference and leave everything out on the floor.
Realistically, looking at our regional standings, were looking at qualifying individuals more than the team at this point, Larson continued. Its always great to get the team a bid, but were not in a good position in the standings. As of right now though, Denise Houda and Lisa Klein could qualify individually for regionals.
Houda would qualify for regionals as an all-around competitor, while Klein would compete on the balance beam if she receives a bid. If the Redbirds or any individuals qualify for regionals, they will compete April 12 in Columbia, Mo.
