The Illinois State gymnastics team travels to Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, for its third triangular meet of the season. Still searching for their first victory, the Redbirds will face Big Ten teams, Ohio State and Illinois.
Illinois State will compete at 7 p.m. at Ohio States St. John Arena. The Birds go into the meet without a win in their five meets (0-5, 0-0).
Illinois State head coach Kristin Montero is stressing the importance of consistency to her team in their search for a win.
A win would be great, admitted Montero. But right now we are really focused on being consistent, while continuing to improve. If we can do those things, we are going to come out on top at our competitions.
Hosting the meet is Ohio State, which is undefeated going into the competition. The Buckeyes boast a record of 4-1, 0-0 and are ranked No. 18 in the nation. The University of Illinois is equally talented this season, as it is ranked at No. 21. The Fighting Illini have a flawless record of 3-0, 1-0 in the Big Ten.
Montero was pleased with her teams performance at last weekends meet, in which the Birds posted their highest score of the season (191.175), but doesnt want the team to settle.
We have a good feeling after our performance last weekend in Michigan, but I still expect more from them, said Montero. We had a few setbacks with injury, but we continued to make wonderful improvements at Ball State. But the Redbirds really seem to step up when faced with adversity, so I anticipate more at OSU.
Ohio State and Illinois are going to be tough competition, Montero continued. They are very solid teams and I think the challenge will help us rise to the occasion. I am very excited about this meet. We dont have anything to lose but we have everything to gain.
