After carding a season-high score on the beam, its third event of the night, the Illinois State gymnastics team couldnt take hold of the lead, losing its first conference meet of the season to Southeast Missouri State. The Redbirds did, however, come out on top of the last triangular competitor, Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Wednesday night at Horton Field House.
SEMO took first at the meet, turning in a 193.750, while Illinois State scored a 191.675. Wisconsin-Oshkosh rounded out the three teams, finishing with a 181.850.
Illinois State head coach Kristin Montero was pleased with her teams performance, despite the outcome of the meet.
Everyone kind of left the gym tonight on a low note, said Montero. But I am really pleased with our scores this evening, especially on beam. Our beam score was great, what we have been working towards all season. Unfortunately, we just didnt come out on top.
Illinois States team balance beam score was a 49.075, the highest of the season. Contributing to this score was captain Lisa Klein, who led the Birds with a 9.875, a season high for the senior. Kleins score also secured a first-place finish among all beam competitors. Sophomore Lauren Strnad also carded a season high 9.8 on the beam, tying for third place with fellow Redbird Amy Biedenharn. Anne Fjordholm took home second-place honors, posting a season high 9.85 in the event.
Other Redbird finishers were Lindsay Klinefelter, with a season best 9.325 on the vault. Biedenharn also bested all her vault scores this season with a 9.55 performance. Pam Hoover led the Birds in the event with a 9.65, good enough for third place.
Freshman Whitney Albright carded the Birds top score on the uneven bars, a 9.75. Albright, the squads lone all-around competitor, placed fifth of seven all-arounders, with a score of 37.225.
SEMOs Ashley Godwin took home the title of all-around champion at the triangular meet, carding a 39.100. SEMO gymnasts Tara Boldt (38.750) and Katie Bloom (38.200) finished second and third respectfully among the all-arounders.
The Redbird gymnasts return to action February 20th, when the team plays host to Illinois-Chicago and Iowa. The meet is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will be held at Horton Field House.
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