Although the score was the highest of the season, a 192.925, the Illinois State gymnastics team couldnt pull out a win on the road at Illinois, as the Redbirds fell to the Illini at the dual meet.
Illinois defeated the Birds, 194.225-192.925, Friday evening at Huff Hall in Champaign, Ill. Illinois State, however, bested the Illini on the balance beam, 48.750-48.100
Illinois State head coach Kristin Montero was pleased with the her teams newfound attitude, resulting in the season-high performance.
The energy was so much better tonight, said Montero. We were focused on rediscovery...our goal going into this meet was to simply let our gymnastics happen instead of forcing our routines. I think we were sort of stuck in a mid-season slump, so we wanted to take the pressure off ourselves.
We just went out and had fun. I think we performed with a new energy, that lifted our spirits and scores Montero continued. There was a lot of excitement in the gym tonight and I think that helped motivate the team to perform their best.
Illinois States Whitney Albright placed third on the vault, tying ISU senior Pam Hoover, with a 9.675. This score was a season-high and personal best for the freshman. Albright also placed on the uneven bars, tying teammates Andi Berry and Erin Cunningham at 9.675 for fifth place. Additionally, Albright shared a first-place finish on the balance beam with Illinoiss Kara Kapernekas and fellow Redbird, Lisa Klein. The trios tying score was a 9.800.
Klein repeated her 9.800 on the floor, tying for second with her routine. Other redbird finishers were Kerry Tierney on the uneven bars, who posted a 9.650. Amy Biedenharn and Lauren Strnad also performed well for the team. Both turned in 9.725s on the beam, tying for sixth place overall.
Montero believes the Redbirds are focused on improving in every meet, hoping to reach their team goal.
We are really aiming to score a 194 as a team, Montero said. I know that is an attainable goal for this group of girls. We just need to pull it all together from here on out and make our season better.
Because everyone is so positive coming off this win, I really think tonights performance will help us on Sunday, said Montero.
Illinois State hits the road again this weekend, traveling to Cape Girardeau, Mo., Sunday, to take on conference foe, Southeast Missouri State, in a dual meet, scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
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